Odisha Discovery
Ratha Yatra has been celebrated for centuries and is believed to date back to ancient times. It commemorates the annual visit of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, to the Gundicha Temple, which is considered their birthplace.
The main deities worshipped during Ratha Yatra are Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), his elder brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. They are taken out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on giant chariots.
Ratha Yatra has been celebrated for centuries and is believed to date back to ancient times. It commemorates the annual visit of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, to the Gundicha Temple, which is considered their birthplace.
Pahandi Bije is the ritual procession where the deities are brought out of the temple amidst much fanfare, music, and chanting. Devotees throng to witness this grand spectacle.
The most awaited event is the pulling of the chariots. Thousands of devotees gather to pull the ropes of the chariots, considering it a pious act. It is believed that pulling the chariots grants immense spiritual merit.
The destination of the chariots is the Gundicha Temple, about 3 kilometers from the main Jagannath Temple. The deities stay here for seven days before returning to their original abode.
After a week-long stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities return to the Jagannath Temple. This return journey is known as Bahuda Yatra, and it is equally celebrated with enthusiasm.
On their return journey, the deities are adorned with golden attire in a ritual known as Suna Besha. This attracts a large number of devotees who come to witness the splendid sight.