Rath Yatra: Puri’s Timeless Journey of Faith and Celebration

DIPAK KURMI

As the month of Ashadha dawns upon Odisha, the air in the coastal town of Puri begins to thrum with divine energy and anticipation. The annual Rath Yatra, one of India’s grandest religious processions, is set to commence on Friday, June 27, 2025, drawing millions of pilgrims from across the country and thousands of visitors from around the world. This year, over 30 lakh devotees are expected to witness the event, with more than 10,000 police personnel deployed to oversee security, crowd control, and traffic management across the small but historically significant town.

The Rath Yatra, or the Car Festival of Lord Jagannath, is more than a religious spectacle; it is a profound expression of devotion, mythology, craftsmanship, and communal harmony. Held annually on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Odia month of Ashadha, the festival celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from their abode at the iconic 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt's home.

According to Hindu mythology, the deities embark on this nine-day spiritual retreat to their birthplace, accompanied by a sea of chanting devotees. This year, the Bahuda Yatra—the return journey to the Jagannath Temple—will fall on July 5, marking the penultimate phase of the festival before the grand conclusion with Niladri Bije.

The journey begins with an elaborate and traditional ritual known as the Pahandi Bije. During this ceremonial procession, the deities are brought out of the sanctum sanctorum amidst the resonant beats of traditional instruments, the blowing of conch shells, and the fervent chants of devotees. The idols are then carefully placed on three magnificent wooden chariots stationed on the Bada Danda, or Grand Road of Puri.

Each chariot is a masterpiece of indigenous craftsmanship. The chariots—Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra, Darpadalan for Devi Subhadra, and Nandighosa for Lord Jagannath—are distinct in size, color, and design. They are freshly constructed every year using wood from specific tree species found in nearby forests. Around 200 traditional craftsmen, including carpenters, woodcarvers, artists, and painters, work tirelessly from the day of Akshaya Tritiya for nearly two months to build these colossal structures. The work is viewed not just as a job but as a hereditary service and a sacred duty passed down through generations. Without any formal training or modern machinery, the artisans depend on ancestral knowledge and traditional techniques to create these chariots. Each has its own set of guardian deities, wooden horses, and appointed charioteers, with every component resonating with symbolism and devotion.

Before the chariots are pulled by thousands of enthusiastic devotees, another deeply symbolic ritual, the Chhera Panhara, takes place. This ritual is performed by the scion of the erstwhile Puri royal family, Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, who has served as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath since 1971. The Gajapati King sweeps the floor of each chariot with a golden broom, a tradition that underscores the equality of all devotees before the divine. The act is seen as a powerful statement on humility and the dignity of labor, where even a king must serve the Lord and His devotees.

As the deities begin their 3-kilometer journey towards the Gundicha Temple, millions of hands come together to pull the heavy chariots through the streets of Puri. The Grand Road transforms into a river of faith, with chants of "Jai Jagannath" reverberating in the air. According to the Bamadeva Samhita, a revered religious text associated with the Jagannath Temple, any pilgrim who beholds the deities seated on their sacred throne at the Gundicha Temple for a week is granted a place in Baikuntha, the eternal heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu, along with their ancestors. For non-Hindus, who are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple, the Rath Yatra offers a rare opportunity to glimpse the Lord and participate in the spiritual fervor.

After their stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities prepare for the return journey, the Bahuda Yatra, on Ashadha Shukla Dasami. The path back to the main temple is equally vibrant, marked by music, dance, and an outpouring of emotion from devotees. A special culinary ritual takes place at the Mausimaa Temple, situated along the return route, where the deities are offered 'Poda Pitha,' a traditional cake made of rice, coconut, lentils, and jaggery. This gesture symbolizes familial love and hospitality, as Mausimaa (aunt) lovingly feeds her divine nieces and nephews.

The festivities reach a dazzling climax a day after Bahuda Yatra, during the Suna Besha, or Golden Attire ceremony. In this breathtaking spectacle, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments, including intricately designed crowns, arms, and legs, while seated on their respective chariots near the Lion’s Gate (Singhadwara) of the temple. The shimmering sight of the Lords in gold, illuminated under the afternoon sun, is a moment of divine radiance that draws even larger crowds.

Finally, the deities are ceremoniously taken back into the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple in an event known as Niladri Bije, observed on the 12th day of the Ashadha month. This marks the end of the Rath Yatra celebrations. However, before re-entry, an interesting and playful ritual unfolds that adds a unique layer to the festival. According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Jagannath, expresses her displeasure at being left behind during the journey to Gundicha Temple. To appease her, devotees offer Rasagolas, soft cheese-based sweets, on behalf of Lord Jagannath. This ritual act of appeasement has, in recent years, evolved into the celebration of 'Rasagola Divas' across Odisha. The day has gained cultural significance as a symbol of sweet reconciliation, culinary heritage, and state pride.

The Rath Yatra thus embodies more than just a journey of deities. It is a cosmic dance of mythology, history, devotion, community, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. The festival unites millions in shared faith, cutting across social, economic, and national boundaries. It is a living heritage that upholds the universal values of equality, humility, devotion, and service.

As Puri braces for another grand edition of the festival in 2025, the spectacle promises to once again weave together threads of ancient tradition and contemporary faith. In an era where spirituality is often overshadowed by modern distractions, the Rath Yatra stands as a timeless reminder that amidst all complexities, the human heart still seeks connection with the divine.

(dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)