Wheels Of Worship: What Is The Significance Of The Rath Yatra And The Pulling Of The Chariots?

News18

27-06-2025

Last Updated:
This year, the grand chariot festival is taking place on Friday, June 27, upholding a tradition that spans centuries
The Puri Rath Yatra is a remarkable display of deep spiritual devotion and cultural opulence, ranking among India's most important annual festivals. It attracts millions of pilgrims to the coastal town of Puri in Odisha.
This year, the grand chariot festival is taking place on Friday, June 27, upholding a tradition that spans centuries. During this event, the deities of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Goddess Subhadra embark on a sacred journey in enormous wooden chariots.
The festival begins with the auspicious Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the Shukla Paksha in the Ashadha month according to the Hindu calendar. The most mesmerising aspect of the Rath Yatra is the pulling of the massive chariots through the 'Bada Danda", or Grand Avenue, towards the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be the deities' aunt's home.
The 3 chariots
Each year, three distinct chariots are carefully constructed anew for the deities. Lord Jagannath's chariot, called 'Nandighosa", stands 45 feet tall with 18 wheels, making it the largest.
Lord Balabhadra's chariot, 'Taladhwaja," is 44 feet high with 16 wheels, while Goddess Subhadra's chariot, 'Devadalana," is 43 feet tall with 14 wheels.
These chariots are not just vehicles; they are beautifully decorated, symbolising the divine journey with vibrant colours, carvings, and motifs.
The atmosphere
The sight of millions of devotees crowding the streets of Puri to participate in the chariot pulling is a testament to their unwavering faith. People from various backgrounds, both from India and around the world, gather in Puri, often enduring challenging conditions for days, just to catch a glimpse of the deities and have the honour of touching the ropes that pull the chariots.
The atmosphere is electrifying, filled with fervent chants of 'Jai Jagannath", devotional songs, and the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments. Devotees believe that simply touching the ropes or the chariots, or even witnessing the procession, cleanses them of sins and grants immense spiritual merit. It is estimated that over 10 to 12 lakh people have gathered in Puri for this year's Rath Yatra, creating a dense human wave that propels the colossal structures forward.
Security and crowd management
Managing such a large gathering is a monumental task. The Odisha Police, in collaboration with various agencies, has implemented an extensive security setup, deploying around 10,000 personnel on the ground.
Advanced crowd management techniques are used, including surveillance with AI-enabled cameras, drone monitoring, and integrated control rooms positioned at critical points across the town. NSG snipers, bomb squads, and marine police are also part of the enhanced security measures to ensure a safe and orderly festival.
Despite these meticulous arrangements, the sheer volume of devotees combined with humid conditions can pose challenges. On Friday, there were reports of over 200 devotees collapsing due to intense crowding, necessitating swift emergency medical responses.
The rituals
The rituals associated with the Rath Yatra are equally significant. Days before the main procession, the deities undergo a ceremonial bath known as Snana Purnima, followed by a period of seclusion during which they are believed to fall ill. On the day of the Yatra, the 'Pahandi Bije" sees the idols being majestically carried out of the main temple to their chariots amidst fervent chants. A particularly symbolic ritual is 'Chhera Pahanra," performed by the Gajapati King of Puri, who sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility and the equality of all before the divine.
After spending a week at the Gundicha Temple, the deities embark on their return journey, the 'Bahuda Yatra", culminating in their re-entry into the Jagannath Temple, marking the end of this nine-day spiritual extravaganza. The Puri Rath Yatra is more than just a festival; it is a living tradition, a powerful expression of devotion, and a testament to the enduring cultural heritage of Odisha.