Jagannath Rath Yatra: Most Interesting Facts about Chariot Festival of India

Popularly known as the ‘Festival of Chariots’, Rath Yatra festival in honour of Puri’s Lord Jagannath is grand celebration. This is one of the most awaited festivals of Orissa and is falling on July 14. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his sister Goddess Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra.

Also Read: Jagannath Rath Yatra 2018: Date, History, Significance and Benefits
Here are few interesting facts about the festival you need to know!

1. It is believed that every year Lord Jagannath wishes to pay visit to his birthplace Mathura for few days. To fulfil his desire, this yatra is conducted from Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple.

2. Jagannath temple is one of the orthodox Hindu temples in India where only hindus or followers of hinduism are allowed. Though the doors of the temple is open to all during the Rath Yatra Festival.

3. All the three deities of the temple - Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra - travel in three different chariots during this festival. This is why it is also called as the Festival of Chariots. The chariots are called Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Devadalana respectively.

4. New chariots for all the three deities are constructed every year using wood even if the architect of the chariots remain similar. Four wooden horses are attached to each chariot.

5. The chariots are pulled by devotees in hundreds by ropes. The sight of so many devotees together is incredible!

6. It is believed that initially when the devotees pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath, he refuses to move. Even after hundreds of people push from behind and pull from front. The chariot refuses to move. It is only after few hours of the festivity and cosmic efforts that the chariot starts moving.

7. One week before the Yatra, the door of the Jagannath temple are shut. It is believed that during that time Lord Jagannath rest due to high fever and after his rest for a week is complete, the Yatra begins.

8. It is one of the very few temples in India where the deity moves out during festivities.

9. It is interesting to know that every year, the festival is celebrated with Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya and it rains every year during this time.

10. After 9 days of rest at Gundicha temple, the Lord returns to the Jagannath temple with one stop in between. It is believed that Lord Jagannath cannot be back without having his favourite sweet Poda Pitha on the way. Poda Pitha is a special kind of pancake which is very popular in Odisha.