Preparations in Full Swing
The sacred coastal city of Puri, Odisha, is abuzz with fervor and devotion as it gears up for the grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. Scheduled to begin on Sunday, this majestic chariot festival is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, drawing devotees from various sects and creeds. Hundreds of traditional artisans are meticulously preparing the colossal chariots for the divine journey.
The Sacred Journey
The Rath Yatra, celebrated on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashadha, is the most revered festival of the Jagannath Temple. It marks the commencement of the nine-day sojourn of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to their birthplace, Gundicha Temple, which is approximately three kilometers from the Jagannath Temple. According to Jagannath culture researcher Bhaskar Mishra, this festival provides a unique opportunity for devotees to catch a glimpse of the holy triad as they travel in their elaborately decorated chariots.
Rituals and Traditions
In the preceding month of Jyeshtha, during the Snan Yatra, the deities are bathed with 108 pitchers of scented water. This ritual, believed to be their birthday, results in the holy siblings falling ill. They then retreat into seclusion for a period known as ‘Anasara,’ lasting 15 days, during which secret rituals are conducted by a specific group of servitors called ‘Daitapati.’ The deities are treated with ayurvedic herbs and fruits to ensure a speedy recovery.
Following this period of seclusion, the deities, now rejuvenated, present themselves to the devotees for ‘Nava Youvan Darshan.’ This year, for the first time in 53 years, the Nava Youvan Darshan, Netrotsav (a critical ritual performed by the priests), and Rath Yatra will all occur on the same day, posing a unique challenge to the temple priests and administrators.
Managing the Unprecedented
The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has declared the day following the Rath Yatra a holiday to accommodate the extended celebrations. This year’s Rath Yatra, which will span two days (July 7-8), presents an extraordinary occasion as it combines multiple significant rituals into a single day.
“Such an event took place in 1971,” stated senior Daitapati servitor Binayak Das Mohapatra. He recalled that during the last occurrence, the ceremonial procession known as ‘Pahandi Bije’ began at 2 p.m., and the chariots were pulled at 7 p.m. This time, efforts are underway to complete all rituals by 1 p.m., the designated time for the Pahandi rituals on July 7, to ensure a seamless progression of the festival.
Ensuring a Grand Celebration
The state government, along with temple authorities and local communities, is working tirelessly to facilitate a smooth and joyous celebration. With more devotees expected to gather, the authorities are focused on maintaining order and ensuring that every aspect of the festival is conducted without any hindrance.
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri is not just a festival; it is a grand celebration of faith, devotion, and tradition. As the divine chariots roll through the streets, they carry with them the hopes and prayers of millions, symbolizing a journey of spiritual renewal and communal harmony.
(With inputs from agencies)
