18 June,2023 10:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated to honor Lord Jagannath along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The festival takes place in the city of Puri in Odisha.
During the Rath Yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are taken out of their temple and placed on three big chariots. These chariots are then pulled by devotees through the streets of Puri in Odisha to another temple called the Gundicha Temple.
The festival is celebrated to reenact the journey of Lord Jagannath. It is believed that by participating in the Rath Yatra and pulling the chariots, devotees can seek the blessings of the deities and gain spiritual merits.
The Rath Yatra is not only a religious event but also a cultural celebration. People from different backgrounds come together to witness the grand procession, sing devotional songs, and dance in joy. It promotes unity, equality, and devotion among people, regardless of their social status or beliefs.
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The festival holds great significance for devotees, as they believe that seeing the deities during the Rath Yatra can bring them good fortune and cleanse their sins. It is a time of immense joy and devotion, with devotees expressing their love and reverence for Lord Jagannath.
Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated to pay homage to Lord Jagannath and his siblings, to seek their blessings, and to experience the divine presence during the grand procession. It is a time of spiritual renewal, cultural festivities, and coming together in devotion and celebration.
Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by millions of people. The festival has a deep-rooted cultural and historical significance in the region. It is believed that participating in the Rath Yatra fulfills the desires of devotees and grants them spiritual liberation.
The pulling of the chariots symbolizes the act of surrendering to the divine will and seeking blessings for a blissful life.
The colorful processions, rhythmic chants, and the vibrant atmosphere create an aura of spirituality and joy. Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a religious event but a cherished tradition that unites people in faith, love, and celebration of their shared heritage.