Picture the city of Puri, Odisha, comes alive with colours, chants, and the collective excitement of millions of devotees. The streets are filled with anticipation as the grand Ratha Yatra, or Chariot Festival, approaches. In 2024, this spectacular event will take place on July 7th, drawing pilgrims and tourists from around the world to witness one of the most vibrant and spiritually uplifting festivals in India.
Dates:
– Snana Purnima (The Sacred Bathing Festival): June 22, 2024, Saturday
– Anasara (The Fortnight of Seclusion): June 22 – July 6, 2024, Saturday- Saturday
– Nabajoubana Darshan (The First Glimpse): July 6, 2024, Saturday
– Ratha Jatra (The Chariot Festival): July 7, 2024, Sunday
– Hera Panchami (The Divine Visit by Goddess Lakshmi): July 11, 2024, Thurseday
– Bahuda Yatra (The Return Journey): July 15, 2024, Monday
– Suna Besha (The Golden Attire): July 16, 2024, Tuesday
– Niladri Bijay (The Final Homecoming): July 17, 2024, Wednesday
1. Snana Purnima: The Sacred Bathing Festival (June 21, 2024):
Before the grand procession, the deities undergo a sacred bath on Snana Purnima. This ritual involves bathing the deities with 108 pots of water, purifying and preparing them for the journey ahead.
2. Anasara: The Fortnight of Seclusion (June 22 – July 6, 2024):
After Snana Purnima, the deities enter a period of seclusion known as Anasara, symbolizing their need to recuperate from the bathing ritual. During this time, they are hidden from public view and are believed to undergo traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
3. Nabajouban Darshan: The First Glimpse (July 6, 2024):
Just before Ratha Yatra, devotees get the first glimpse of the rejuvenated deities in a ritual called Nabajouban Darshan, marking their readiness for the grand procession. This viewing is eagerly awaited and marks the beginning of the festivities.
4. Pahandi Bije: The Grand Procession (July 7, 2024):
On the morning of Ratha Yatra, the deities are ceremoniously carried out of the Jagannath Temple in a grand procession called Pahandi Bije. Amidst rhythmic chants and music, the deities are gently swayed and placed onto their chariots. This moment is charged with spiritual energy and excitement.
5. Chhera Pahara: The Royal Sweep (July 7, 2024):
In a gesture of humility and service, the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri sweeps the ground around the chariots with a golden broom. This ritual, known as Chhera Pahara, emphasizes the equality of all before the divine and the king’s role as a humble servant of the deities.
6. Ratha Jatra : The Chariot Festival (July 7, 2024):
The massive chariots, each over 45 feet tall, are pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri. The procession travels from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, covering a distance of about 3 kilometers. The sight of the beautifully decorated chariots moving amidst the fervent chants of devotees is a spectacle of devotion and unity.
7. The Stay at Gundicha Temple (July 7 – July 15, 2024):
The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for a week, symbolizing their annual visit to their birthplace. During this time, the temple becomes a hub of rituals and festivities, celebrating the divine presence.
8. Hera Panchami: The Divine Visit (July 11, 2024):
Five days after Ratha Yatra, Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath, makes a symbolic visit to the Gundicha Temple. Known as Hera Panchami, this ritual involves a secretive night procession, adding an element of mystery and excitement. It symbolizes the reunion of the divine couple and the importance of marital harmony.
9. Bahuda Yatra: The Return Journey (July 15, 2024):
After their stay, the deities embark on their return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra. This return procession is equally grand, with devotees once again pulling the chariots back to the Jagannath Temple.
10. Suna Besha: The Golden Attire (July 16, 2024):
Upon their return, the deities are dressed in resplendent gold ornaments in a ritual called Suna Besha. This dazzling sight attracts thousands of devotees, who come to witness the divine magnificence of the deities adorned in gold.
11. Niladri Bijay: The Final Homecoming (July 17, 2024):
The festival concludes with Niladri Bijay, where the deities re-enter the Jagannath Temple. This homecoming marks the end of the Ratha Yatra festivities, leaving devotees with a sense of fulfillment and divine contentment.
Ratha Yatra is not just a festival; it is a journey of faith, devotion, and unity. Each ritual and tradition carries deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the eternal cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The festival reflects the inclusiveness of the divine, welcoming devotees from all walks of life to participate in this grand celebration. It is a testament to the enduring bond between the deities and their devotees, showcasing the timeless appeal of Lord Jagannath’s love and compassion.
While the heart of Ratha Yatra beats in Puri, the festival has transcended geographical boundaries. Today, Ratha Yatra is celebrated in various parts of the world, including major cities like New York, London, and Sydney. These global celebrations bring the spirit of Puri’s Ratha Yatra to devotees worldwide, fostering a sense of global unity and shared devotion.
Ratha Yatra 2024 promises to be a vibrant and spiritually enriching event. As the chariots roll through the streets of Puri, they carry not just the deities but the hopes, prayers, and devotion of millions. This festival, with its rich traditions and profound significance, continues to inspire and unite people across the globe, celebrating the eternal journey of the divine and the enduring power of faith.
