Puri Rath Yatra , India

One of the most recognized and famous religious celebrations in India, the Rath Yatra in the town of Puri in Orissa is a grand event in a literal sense. This magnanimous fiesta is centered around the sibling trio of Lord Jagannatha, his brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Goddess Subhadra.

The Puri Rath Yatra is known by different names like Gundicha Jatra, Ghosa Jatra, Navadina Jatra, Dasavatara Jatra and so on. The celebrations marks the journey of Krishna from Gokul to Mathura, suggestively depicting the transition from darkness to light.

Observed on the second day of the bright fortnight in the month of Asadha (June/July), the Rath Yatra sees the deities coming out of the temple in huge wooden chariots pulled by devotees and priests. The chariot devoted to Lord Jagannatha is at least 13 meter tall with 16 wheels (diametrically 2 meter). These chariots are drapped with colorful clothes and decorated with numerous accessories.

Amidst the resounding atmosphere with synchronized beats of drums, gongs and conch shells, the procession starts led by Lord Balabhadra followed by his sister Goddess Subhadra with Lord Jagannatha at the rear.

Thousands of devotees dive into the streets to pull the chariots as it is believed that even the touch of any part of it is equal to many rituals and is capable of purifying the human soul. The number of visitors touring Puri during the Rath Yatra is a whooping 5- 6 lakh per year.

This gala is a perfect representation of the amount of faith that the people of India entrust with the divine entities besides being the reflection of the socio- religious aspects of Orissa.