Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023 Updates: Dates and All The Details

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The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is a very popular annual festival which is held in the State of Orissa. This festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe and a form of Lord Krishna who is Protector of the Universe with his 8th Avatar of Lord Vishnu. This pious festival comprises Navadina Yatra, Dasavatara Yatra, and Gundicha Yatra and its a nine-day festivity which marks diverse rituals followed by devotees. For cultural festivals we follow the drik panchang calendar, every year this festival is celebrated on day 2 of Shukla Paksha and holds a significant apotheosis among hindus festivals, especially in the State of Orissa. The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023 will be celebrated from 20th June and devotees visit from different states and are expected to visit the temple in Puri on this occasion. On this auspicious occasion devotees not only worship Lord Jagannath but also God Balaram and Subhadra.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: a huge crowd is Expected on Tuesday

Chief Administrator of the temple, Ranjan Kumar Das said that a congregation of more than 9 lakh devotees is expected to visit Puri on Tuesday. The Orissa Government has been ahead this time in hospitality due to hot and humid weather conditions in Puri. In my opinion, there’s no shadow that can enter the premises of the temple. Volunteers will be sprinkling the water on devotees to keep them cool and green corridors have also been established there for any kind of emergency, Chief Secretary P K Jena stated.

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Security will be tightened in Odisha 

Thousands of devotees have congregated for the pilgrimage in Puri for the annual ‘Rath Yatra’ on Tuesday for which the state government has made arrangements for devotees who will be participating from other states, said the officials. As many as 180 platoons of security forces have been deployed for security purposes in Puri, said Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur.

Rath Yatra 2023 begins in Ahmedabad

Puri’s Rath Yatra is a world famous festival, Gujarat also celebrates its chariot festival which shows the significance of Lord Jagannath. The 146th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath has begun in Ahmedabad city amidst high security. Lakhs of devotees have participated in the procession to have a glimpse of the deities placed on the chariot. The Gujarat Police Force has used 3D mapping technology to monitor the 18-km route , said a senior official.

Rath Yatra 2023: Odisha made several arrangements for Devotees

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023

Estimated 180 platoons of security forces have been deployed in Puri during the pilgrimage. City of Orissa has been classified into different zones for moving traffic. The helicopter arrangements have been pressed through Orissa Govt near beaches. On the seaside, the government has made arrangements of interceptor boats till July 2.

Significance Of Chariot pulling in Puri Rath Yatra

On this auspicious day of Yatra, devotees from different states have gathered to worship the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra. These three Lords are placed above on their chariots and the chariot is tied up with thick rope which is pulled by devotees who come across the country just for a glimpse of the God. This pious practice is done by a huge number every year and Lord Jagannath is believed to bless devotees with happiness, prosperity, and good health.

The first day of this prolonged festival keeps a glimpse of the idols travelling by chariots. This Rath Yatra begins when the three deities are ensconced on the embellish chariots. Lord Jagannath’s chariot is known as Nandighosa, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is known as Taladhwaja, and Goddess Subhadra’s chariot is known as Darpadalan.

On First Day June 20, 2023: Jagannath Rath Yatra will begin and placed deities on the chariots will start the journey towards the Gundicha temple.

On 5th Day June 24, 2023: Hera Panchami, The deities reside inside the Gundicha temple during these five days.

On 8th Day June 27, 2023: Navami Darshan or Sandhya Darshan or Adap Mandap Darshan. During this time, the devotees can have a glimpse and can worship all the deities.

On 9th Day June 28, 2023: Bahuda Yatra During this period the deities return to their home.

On June 29, 2023: Sunabesa during this time all the deities placed back in the Jagannath temple.

On June 30, 2023: Aadhar Pana, In this ritual a special drink is to be offered to the sacred chariots.

On July 1, 2023: Niladri BJ is a programme or in other words a special ritual performed by the end day of the Yatra.

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: History And Significance

The Lord Jagannath Temple was ensconced in the 12th century by the King Chodagan Dev. It is built in the Kalinga style. During Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are placed in distinct chariots and an excursion to the Gundicha temple, which is around three kilometres away from the temple and they come back after an eight-day visit.