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NDTV
28-06-2025
- NDTV
Devotees Gather In Puri To Witness Jagannath Rath Yatra
Puri (Odisha): Today is the second day of the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra. As part of the tradition, the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings are being pulled towards the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will rest for nine days before returning to the Jagannath Temple. Devotees from across India and around the world are arriving in Puri to take part in the Yatra and seek blessings. A devotee from West Africa who came to Puri for the first time said, "This is my very first opportunity to witness the Rath Yatra in Puri. Yesterday, we only got the opportunity to have darshan of Lord Jagannath. But today, hopefully Jagannath will be kind, we will be able to pull his chariot as today is the second day." She added that she was grateful for the opportunity to experience the celebration. Gaurangi Devika Das, a foreign devotee living in India for the past 20 years, expressed her joy, saying, "Yesterday was the first day of the Rath Yatra festival. Lakhs of people are coming. By the mercy of Lord Jagannath, I got to take his darshan. Today, I hope I will have the grace to pull Jagannath to Gundicha. This is a very special festival because Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple to see all his devotees and give his mercy." Parna, a devotee from Kolkata, shared her experience: "I wanted to participate in the Rath Yatra for a long time and witness Lord Jagannath. I did get to see him yesterday, but today was magical. I worshipped him for a good 10 to 15 minutes without any rush, and that makes me really happy." Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who participated in the Yatra, said, "I have had the good fortune of witnessing the Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. I want to say that may Mahaprabhu Jagannath maintain peace in the world and maintain an atmosphere of peace and happiness in all families." Swami Shri Sukh Darshan Das from Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Vadtal, also joined the celebrations. He said, "We are from Gujarat. Today is a big celebration of the Rath Yatra. God has come to give darshan to everyone. So we also had darshan this morning. Rath Yatra is so important that whichever devotee has darshan of the Lord in this Rath Yatra, the Lord will fulfil all their wishes. This is the best moment of my life. Lord Jagannath is the Lord of the whole universe." Shri Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator Arabinda K Padhee informed on Friday, "On 28th June, the chariot pulling will begin at 9.30 am. So it is all Mahaprabhu's desire." The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also called the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is a significant event for Hindus. The Yatra began on June 27 and is scheduled to conclude on July 1, with Lord Jagannath returning to the Jagannath temple. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
India Gazette
28-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Devotees from across the globe gather in Puri to witness Rath Yatra
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 28 (ANI): Today is the second day of the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra. As part of the tradition, the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings are being pulled towards the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will rest for nine days before returning to the Jagannath Temple. Devotees from across India and around the world are arriving in Puri to take part in the Yatra and seek blessings. A devotee from West Africa who came to Puri for the first time said, 'This is my very first opportunity to witness the Rath Yatra in Puri. Yesterday, we only got the opportunity to have darshan of Lord Jagannath. But today, hopefully Jagannath will be kind, we will be able to pull his chariot as today is the second day.' She added that she was grateful for the opportunity to experience the celebration. Gaurangi Devika Das, a foreign devotee living in India for the past 20 years, expressed her joy, saying, 'Yesterday was the first day of the Rath Yatra festival. Lakhs of people are coming. By the mercy of Lord Jagannath, I got to take his darshan. Today, I hope I will have the grace to pull Jagannath to Gundicha. This is a very special festival because Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple to see all his devotees and give his mercy.' Parna, a devotee from Kolkata, shared her experience: 'I wanted to participate in the Rath Yatra for a long time and witness Lord Jagannath. I did get to see him yesterday, but today was magical. I worshipped him for a good 10 to 15 minutes without any rush, and that makes me really happy.' Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who participated in the Yatra, said, 'I have had the good fortune of witnessing the Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. I want to say that may Mahaprabhu Jagannath maintain peace in the world and maintain an atmosphere of peace and happiness in all families.' Swami Shri Sukh Darshan Das from Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Vadtal, also joined the celebrations. He said, 'We are from Gujarat. Today is a big celebration of the Rath Yatra. God has come to give darshan to everyone. So we also had darshan this morning. Rath Yatra is so important that whichever devotee has darshan of the Lord in this Rath Yatra, the Lord will fulfil all their wishes. This is the best moment of my life. Lord Jagannath is the Lord of the whole universe.' Shri Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator Arabinda K Padhee informed on Friday, 'On 28th June, the chariot pulling will begin at 9.30 am. So it is all Mahaprabhu's desire.' The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also called the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is a significant event for Hindus. The Yatra began on June 27 and is scheduled to conclude on July 1, with Lord Jagannath returning to the Jagannath temple. (ANI)
NDTV
28-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Rath Yatra 2025: The Story Of Lord Jagannath's Muslim Devotee Salabega Inspires Generations
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated annually in Odisha. Observed on Dwitiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the lunar month, the event draws lakhs of devotees to the streets of Puri. Among the many fascinating stories and traditions linked to this grand festival is that of Salabega, a Muslim devotee of Lord Jagannath. According to the Odisha government's official records, Salabega was one of the most revered devotional poets of the region. Despite being born into a Muslim family, he dedicated his entire life to worshipping Lord Jagannath. The Story of Salabega and His Devotion to Lord Jagannath Salabega, son of a Mughal subedar and a Hindu Brahmin woman, became a devout follower of Lord Jagannath after surviving a near-fatal injury through divine grace. Deeply moved by a dream where Mahaprabhu healed him, he dedicated his life to the Lord, composing timeless bhajans like Ahe Nila Saila. A beloved legend says the Rath Yatra chariot once halted miraculously until Salabega arrived. That spot, now marked by a shrine, continues to witness the Lord's chariot pausing each year symbolising the unbreakable bond between Salabega and Jagannath. His legacy lives on in Odisha's devotional culture. Salabega's heartfelt bhajans and devotional songs continue to be sung by Odia devotees even today. His unique devotion, crossing religious boundaries, stands as a symbol of spiritual inclusiveness and faith. His legacy remains alive during every Rath Yatra, reminding devotees of the universal appeal of Lord Jagannath. The Jagannath Yatra follows a series of sacred rituals rooted in ancient tradition. It begins with Rath Snana, a ceremonial bath of the deities with 108 pots of holy water. This is followed by Rath Pratistha, where the newly constructed chariots are sanctified with sacred chants. The grand spectacle of devotees pulling the deities' majestic chariots towards the symbolic Gundicha Temple marks the heart of the festival. The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, and the final ritual, Niladri Vijaya, mark the conclusion of the sacred event, leaving behind the promise of divine return next year.
India.com
27-06-2025
- India.com
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: 10 fascinating facts about India's grandest chariot festival
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: One of India's most revered and visually grand festivals, Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is also known as Shree Gundicha Yatra or the Chariot Festival, is being celebrated today, June 27, in Puri, Odisha. This festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. This ancient tradition blends mysticism, devotion, and royal pageantry into an awe-inspiring spiritual journey. And today, let's uncover some fascinating facts about this age-old and spiritually rich tradition. Three primary deities Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. Each rides in their own colossal wooden chariot—constructed afresh each year using specific trees like phassi and dhausa. The designs are strictly traditional and remain unchanged for centuries. The chariots are named: 1. Nandighosa (Jagannath – 18 wheels) 2. Taladhwaja (Balabhadra – 16 wheels) 3. Darpadalana (Subhadra – 14 wheels) The Deities leave their temple Once a year, the idols leave the Jagannath Temple and travel to the Gundicha Temple—symbolizing a rare moment when the divine steps out to meet the public. New chariots are built every year Each year, brand-new chariots are made using sacred wood like phassi and dhausa. The design and structure remain exactly the same, down to their divine guardians—Garuda, Vasudeva, and Jayadurga. Chariots have names and unique features Jagannath rides Nandighosa with 18 wheels Balabhadra rides Taladhwaja with 16 wheels Subhadra rides Darpadalana with 14 wheels All are decorated with vibrant canopies and pulled by devotees. Temple entry restrictions lifted during yatra Non-Hindus and foreigners are not allowed inside the temple, but during Rath Yatra, everyone can see and even touch the deities—a gesture of divine inclusiveness. King becomes a servant for the lord The Gajapati King of Puri performs the Chhera Pahanra ritual, sweeping the chariot floor with a golden broom to show that even kings bow before the divine. The Deities 'Fall Ill' before the festival Fifteen days before the Yatra, the deities are symbolically believed to fall sick after a ceremonial bath of 108 pots of water and rest during a phase called Anasara. The main temple gate remains closed During this rest period, the main entrance of Jagannath Temple, the Singhadwara, stays shut, signifying the deities' absence from their home. Jagannath's chariot doesn't move easily Devotees believe Lord Jagannath doesn't move immediately when the Yatra begins—symbolising that divine will cannot be forced, even by hundreds pushing and pulling. The divine marital dispute: Hera Panchami On the fifth day of the Yatra, Goddess Mahalaxmi, upset with Jagannath for leaving without her, visits Gundicha Temple to symbolically demand his return.
NDTV
27-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Devotees Gather For Grand Rath Yatra Of Lord Jagannath In Puri
Bhubaneswar: A large crowd of devotees has gathered at Puri's Jagannath Temple for Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra that will commence on Friday. Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is a major Hindu festival celebrated annually in Odisha. It is observed on Dwitiya Tithi — the second day of the (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month — a time considered spiritually auspicious due to the increasing brightness of the moon. Renowned scholar on Jagannath culture, Suryanarayan Rath Sharma, speaking on the Rath Yatra, told IANS, "The Rath Yatra is the most ancient chariot festival in the world... It is believed that having darshan of Lord Jagannath during this Yatra grants a devotee moksha." The devotees have gathered by the millions for the famous Ratha Yatra, as Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra prepare to embark on their nine-day sojourn from their abode, the 12th-century shrine, to Gundicha Temple today. Devotees, gripped with ecstasy, will pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra — Nandighosh, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan respectively — for around 3 km to the Gundicha Temple, believed by some legends to be the birthplace of the Chaturddha Murti (Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Maa Subhadra, and Sudarshan). Various departments of the state government have made elaborate preparations to ensure a smooth and incident-free Rath Yatra. 'We are fully prepared for the grand Rathayatra. All rituals and arrangements have been meticulously planned and will be carried out with equal dedication. I seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu and the cooperation of all devotees to ensure a smooth and sacred celebration,' said Sidharth Shankar Swain, Collector, Puri earlier on Thursday. The holy city of Puri has been placed under a five-tiered security blanket for the nine-day-long Rath Yatra festival. As many as 200 platoons of police force and eight companies of the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, etc., have been deployed throughout the sacred coastal town for the Ratha Yatra. Similarly, around 10,000 personnel of Odisha police, Central Armed Police Force and Home Guard have been deployed in Puri and around the city during the Ratha Yatra this year. The police officers stationed at integrated command-and-control system, set up for the first time this year, and other sub-control rooms will keep a watch on traffic and crowd movements through live feeds from around 275 AI-enabled CCTVs installed from Uttara Square to Puri Town, in the town and from Puri to Konark.
