Rath Yatra Festival

Jagannath Rath Yatra

Jagannath is another name for Lord Krishna, and the Jagannath Rath Yatra observed in the month of Ashadha (June-July) celebrates Krishna's annual visit from Gokul, to his birthplace, Mathura . The Jagannath Temple at Puri, Orissa, is the main venue for celebrations, and millions of devotees converge here every year in a spirit of almost hysterical devotion. Images of Lord Krishna, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, are taken in giant wooden chariots to Gundicha Ghar, a temple about 3 km away. The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees. Many more accompany, in a procession. The chariots are made anew each year, and their construction starts as early as April. Jagannath's chariot, Nandighosa, is yellow in colour, 14 meters high, 10 meters square, and has 16 wheels. Balabhadra's chariot, Taladhwaja, is blue, and has 14 wheels. Subhadra's chariot, Deviratha or Darpadalana, has 12 wheels.

When two months of Ashadha fall in one year (this happens every 8 or 9 years), Rath Yatra is observed as the festival of 'Nabakalebar'. The old deities are buried within the temple premises and replaced by new deities, carved out of Margosa (Neem) trees.

A similar, but smaller, celebration is held at Mahesh, Bengal

History has it that when the British first observed the Rathyatra in the 18th century, they were so amazed that they sent home descriptions which gave rise to the term 'juggernaut'.