Jagannath puri rath yatra 2022 is a very significant festival for Indians, especially for those who practice Hinduism. The fact that tourists from all over the world travel to Puri to view the festival gives an indication of its popularity. The Lord Jagannath devotees make it a point to travel to Puri during this festival, no matter how far away they are based. On the 2nd day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadh, the Indian state of Odisha is prepared to conduct the renowned Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri.

What is Jagannath Puri Rath yatra?

Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra are escorted out of the Jagannath Temple and placed in their respective chariots during the annual festival known as the Jagannath Rath Yatra. A huge number of devotees pull the chariots forward. The Gundicha Temple, located about two miles from the Jagannath Temple, is where the chariots are attracted. The chariots are enormous in size, so it takes them a while to get to Gundicha Temple. The area where the chariots pass through, Bada Danda, attracts a lot of worshippers during this progression. Several weeks prior to the scheduled date, the Rath Yatra preparations begin. The chariots are unique due to the fact that each year they are built from scratch. These chariots are made primarily of wood that comes from various trees, including dhausa and phassi. On Akshaya Tritiya, and that is the 3rd day of Vaisakha, the chariots’ construction gets underway. The main entrance to the temple is direct across from where the chariots are being built.

Celebration of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2022

The eagerly anticipated Rath Yatra begins on Friday, July 1, 2022, and the Return Car Festival, also known as “Bahuda Jatra,” takes place on Saturday, July 9, 2022.Devotees from all around the world travel in large numbers to participate in the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is an annual festival. With drums beating, devotional songs playing, and dance performances taking place all around, a sizable procession is carried out.

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History of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

Every year, the state of Odisha’s Puri hosts the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra festival. Lord Jagannath, the Supreme Being, is related to the Rath Yatra. The festival is thought to have begun when Lord Jagannath’s sister, Subhadra, expressed a desire to travel to Puri (Odisha’s State). Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra all departed for Puri in a chariot to carry out Subhadra’s wish. Since that time, the Hindu calendar has been used to mark the Jagannath festival each year. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra depart in their chariot during the Jagganath festival to visit the Gundicha Temple. They spend eight days in the Gundicha Temple. The divinities (Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra) depart from the Gundicha Temple after the eighth day, and this time period is referred to as Bahuda Yatra.

Significance and importance of Rath Yatra

To honour and worship Lord Jagannath, one of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, is the purpose of the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival. According to Hindu spirituality and beliefs, Jagannath Temple is one of the four main Hindu pilgrimage sites and has great religious significance. Devotees who are unable to enter the temple on the auspicious day of the Puri Rath Yatra can still see their gods because the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2022 chariots will be travelling throughout the entire city.

This festival is also known as the “Ghosa Yatra,” “Dashvatar Yatra,” “Navadina Yatra,” or “Gundicha Yatra” by the people of Odisha. One of the biggest events that draws a lot of visitors to Puri is the Rath Yatra. People consequently hold the belief that those who sincerely take part in the Puri Rath Yatra are liberated from the cycle of life. It is very fortunate to catch sight of Lord Jagannath riding his chariot.

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Rituals of Jagannath puri Rath Yatra 2022

Special worship and rituals are performed before Rath Yatra 2022 to worship the gods. Following the seating of the three main deities—Goddess Subhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Lord Balabhadra—it is carried out. Then, the colorfully decorated chariots, known as “Badadanda,” are drawn through the streets of Puri. The most crucial aspect of the Rath Yatra rituals is pulling the chariots. It is a very sacred act, so devotees from all around the nation emerge with a great desire to pull the Lord’s chariot. Devotees who travel to Puri, to offer prayers to their God, fill the city’s streets. Finally, the procession arrives at the Gundicha temple, the residence of Lord Jagannath’s aunt. 

When the chariots arrive at Puri’s shrines, a ceremony known as Chhera Pahad takes place. it is one of the most important rituals that take place on the first day of yatra. It represents that everyone is equal in the eyes of the deities in this ritual.

To perform Chhera Pahad, the Gajapati King wears a sweeper’s uniform and cleans the area around the deities and chariots with sandalwood water and a gold-handed broom. The Gajapati King continues to perform this ceremony for two days as part of the Puri Rath Yatra.

Hera Panchami is the fourth day of the Hindu calendar. This ceremony honors the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi to Lord Jagannath, according to Hindu rituals.

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