The sound of prayers, drums and bells fill the streets of Puri, Odisha, during this time of the year because it’s the most awaited festival in Puri , The Jagannath Rath Yatra.
The popular Jagannath Yatra is Lord Jagannath’s journey from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Devi Temple, a few miles away. The three deities: Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, are carried on decorated chariots during the Yatra.
This year, Puri Rath Yatra will start on 20th June at 10:04 pm and end on 21st June, 7:09 pm. There are about 4-5 lakh pilgrims participating from across India and other countries every year.
The yatra is commenced by the King of Puri, who is a descendent of the Royal Family of Odisha. The chariot that is 44 feet tall and has 16 massive wheels are pulled manually by pilgrims with 50-metre long ropes. It is believed that people who pull the chariot earn good deeds and penance for their errors, and getting a glimpse of the idols is considered to be auspicious.
Once the Yatra reaches the Gundichi Devi Temple, the deities reside there for nine days where pilgrims are allowed darshan, and then the deities are taken back to the Jagannath temple as a part of the return journey called the Bahuda Yatra.
How to reach Puri, Odisha for the Yatra?
- You can fly to Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital. The city is 56 km away from Puri. You can travel to Puri from Bhubaneshwar via train, cab, or bus.
- The city is connected to all major cities via road. If you are planning to travel by bus, you can book your tickets on Paytm and get Rs. 400 off on your tickets with promocode PAYTMBUS.
