Puri gears up for spectacular Rath Yatra of Shri Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra

This year Nava Youvan Darshan, Netrotsav and Rath Yatra are falling on the same day after a gap of 53 years

July 6, 2024

All set for Jagannath Rath Yatra in the city of Puri tomorrow

The sacred ancient city of Puri is all decked up for the magnificent annual Rath Yatra, also known as the chariot festival, of Shri Jagannath and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, which will take place on Sunday.

Hundreds of traditional carpenters and painters are busy giving finishing touches to the three huge chariots of the Lords.

The Rath Yatra is observed on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month of the Hindu calendar every year. The divine siblings embark on the annual nine-day sojourn to their birthplace, Gundicha Temple (the Yagnya Vedi or the Garden house of Bhagwan) around three kilometers far from the Jagannath Temple

As per the tradition, Shri Jagannath, Shri Balabadhra, and Devi Subhadra fall sick after the three are bathed with 108 pitchers full of scented water during the Snan Yatra on the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month in the Hindu calendar (considered the birthday of the Bhagwan Jagannath).

During the ‘Anasara‘ period, which spans 15 days, the deities are secluded, and devotees are restricted from witnessing the holy triad. This period involves secret rituals conducted by a specific group of servitors known as ‘Daitapatis‘.

The holy siblings are usually offered ayurvedic herbs, fruits, etc. so that they recuperate fast from fever caused due to the sacred bath. The deities after recovering fully give darshan to the devotees popularly called ‘Nava Youvan Darshan‘ which is usually observed a day before the Rath Yatra.

However, this year the Nava Youvan Darshan, Netrotsav (an important ritual carried out by the priests), and Rath Yatra are falling on the same day after a gap of 53 years throwing a big challenge before the priests and the administration to complete all the rituals to ensure the pulling of chariots start by 5 p.m. on July 7.

The state government has also declared the day after Rath Yatra a holiday as the pulling of chariots will continue the next day too.

CM Majhi during the review meeting on Rath Yatra in Puri on Tuesday sought the cooperation of all the stakeholders including servitors, district administration, and the local public for smooth and hassle-free conduct of the Rath Yatra festival.

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