The holy coastal city of Puri is brimming with spiritual energy as the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of Hinduism’s most revered festivals, moves into its second day. Known also as the Shree Gundicha Yatra or Chariot Festival, this annual celebration is marked by the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to the Gundicha Temple.
Pulling the Chariots: A Sacred Act of Devotion
As per ritual, the towering chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled by throngs of devotees through the streets of Puri toward the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will stay for nine days before returning to their original temple. The pulling of the chariots began at 9:30 AM on June 28, according to Arabinda K Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shri Jagannath Temple.
International Visitors Embrace the Spiritual Vibe
A first-time participant from West Africa spoke emotionally about her experience:
A Foreign Devotee’s Two-Decade-Long Journey with Jagannath
Gaurangi Devika Das, who has lived in India for 20 years, described the event with deep spiritual reverence:
A Kolkata Devotee Describes Her Long-Awaited Pilgrimage
For Parna, a visitor from Kolkata, the Rath Yatra was nothing short of magical:
Dignitaries and Saints Join in the Divine Celebration
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also participated in the Yatra and shared his heartfelt wishes:Swami Shri Sukh Darshan Das, from Gujarat’s Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, expressed his joy:
Ritual Timeline: From Departure to Return
The Rath Yatra commenced on June 27 and is set to conclude on July 1, with the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple. The nine-day stay at the Gundicha Temple symbolizes love, devotion, and the Lord’s grace toward his devotees.
