Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024
Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is celebrated every year on the Dwadashi of Ashadh Shukla Paksha according to the Hindu calendar, is falling on 7th July 2024 this year. This festival has special significance because on this day the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra is organized, which people celebrate with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Lord Krishna and Balram Rath Yatra towards Mathura:
It is believed that Kansa invited Lord Krishna and his brother Balram to Mathura to kill them. He sent Akrur to Gokul and asked him to take Lord Krishna and Balram to Mathura with a chariot. Devotees celebrate the day of this departure as Rath Yatra, where the Lord set out towards Mathura seated on a chariot.
- On this day people participate in the Rath Yatra with their devotion and reverence and drive the chariot from the temple to the streets with religious rites. Along with this, Bhajans and Kirtans are performed and the religious festival is enjoyed.
- Keeping this day in mind, participating in the Jagannath Rath Yatra brings religious merits and one experiences happiness and peace in life with the blessings of the Lord.
- Observing this day, people participate in the Rath Yatra with their devotion and reverence and drive the chariot from the temple through the streets with religious rites.
Significance of Ashadh Jagannath Rath Yatra:
- Jagannath Rath Yatra is the festival of the chariot journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. This festival is celebrated in Varanasi, Puri, Dwarka, Nashik, Mathura and other places.
- It is celebrated on ‘Ashadha Shukla Dwadashi', which falls in the month of July according to the Hindu calendar.
- On this day, the chariot of Lord Jagannath is taken out on the streets from the temple to various places with adoration and worship of the Lord.
- This Rath Yatra is attended by lakhs of devotees who drive the chariot with religious rites and bhajans and kirtans. The significance of this festival is that by celebrating it, devotees get peace, prosperity and religious reforms in their lives.
The main place of Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra:
Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated as the biggest festival in the city of Puri in the Indian state of Odisha. Millions of devotees and tourists come here to see the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath.
Events to be held on the day of Jagannath Rathyatra:
- Chariot Pulling: Take the chariot of Lord Jagannath out of the temple and pull it through the streets.
- Bhajan-Kirtan: Perform Bhajan-Kirtan behind the chariot and sing praises of the Lord.
- Celebrate religious festival: Celebrate Rath Yatra as a religious festival and express your faith and devotion towards God.
- Food Prasad: Distribute special Prasad during Rathyatra and enjoy food in the group.
- Dedication to devotion: Spend this day in dedication and devotion to God, which can enrich your life from religious and spiritual point of view.
Things to note in Jagannath Rathyatra:
- Do not run behind the chariot: Running behind the chariot or coming in front of the chariot is against religious conduct and beliefs and is considered a crime.
- Touching the chariot with hands: The chariot should not be touched or anything should be put on it. This is considered holy as it is the abode of the Lord.
- Disrespectful behaviour: One should not behave in a disrespectful or inappropriate manner with anyone on this holy occasion.
- Respecting the Lord: Lord Jagannath should be respected and worshipped on the day of Rath Yatra, keeping in mind that it is a religious and sacred festival.
Benefits derived from conducting Jagannath Rathyatra:
- Spiritual growth: Participation in this pilgrimage leads to spiritual purification and growth.
- Social bonding: This festival increases harmony and unity in the society, people celebrate it in harmony with each other.
- Guidance of Karma: Jagannath Rath Yatra supports karma and helps in religious practice.
- Indian Cultural Heritage: This trip makes us feel proud of our culture and religious heritage.
