Chandan Yatra: Celebrating the Aroma of Sandalwood

Chandan Yatra

Chandan Yatra also known as Gandhalepana Yatra, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha. It is a 42-day long festival that commences on Akshaya Tritiya, the third day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Vaisakha (April-May). The festival is celebrated to commemorate the pastime of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, who are worshipped in the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. During the festival, the deities are taken on a grand procession on a beautifully decorated chariot called the Chandan Jatra Ratha. The procession starts from the Jagannath Temple and proceeds towards the Narendra Sarovar, which is a holy lake located in the heart of Puri. The deities are then taken on a boat ride on the lake, where they are adorned with sandalwood paste and offered various delicacies. Here are 10 interesting facts about the Chandan Yatra that you may not know:

1. The Chandan Yatra is believed to have been started by King Kapilendra Deb, a great devotee of Lord Jagannath, in the 15th century.
2. The festival is celebrated in two parts. The first 21 days are known as Bahara Chandan and the second 21 days are known as Bhitara Chandan.
3. During the first 21 days, the deities are taken out in the evening for a procession around the Jagannath Temple, while during the second 21 days, the deities are taken out in the morning for a procession.
4. The Chandan Jatra Ratha, on which the deities are taken for the boat ride, is the largest of all the chariots used in the Jagannath Temple.
5. The sandalwood paste used to adorn the deities during the festival is brought from the Gandhamardan Mountain, located in the western part of Odisha.
6. The Chandan Yatra is considered to be the longest festival celebrated in the Jagannath Temple.
7. Apart from the deities, several other gods and goddesses are also worshipped during the festival, including Ganesha, Saraswati, and Mahalakshmi.
8. The festival also features various cultural events, including music, dance, and drama performances.
9. The boat ride on the Narendra Sarovar is considered to be one of the most important parts of the festival, as it symbolizes the journey of the deities to their birthplace in the heavenly abode.
10. The Chandan Yatra is not only celebrated in Puri but also in various other parts of Odisha, including Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Balasore.

The Chandan Yatra is a unique festival that showcases the rich cultural and religious heritage of Odisha. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the aroma of sandalwood and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The festival is not just a celebration of the deities but also a celebration of life and the joy that it brings.