When Is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024? Know Date, Time, Puja Rituals, Significance, And Procession Timings

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The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is one of the most revered and celebrated Hindu festivals. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, this grand event attracts millions of devotees from across the world.

The Rath Yatra takes place annually in Puri, Odisha in the month of Ashadha. On this day, Lord Jagannath goes on a journey with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra in huge and grand chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

All the devotees, in lakhs, pull the chariot weighing several hundred kilos and complete the journey. Let us know in detail about the date, time, history, and significance associated with Jagannath Yatra 2024.

Jagannath Yatra 2024 Date, Time

Jagannath Yatra starts on the second date of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month. This year this Rath Yatra will start on 07 July 2024. The Dwitiya Tithi will begin at 04:26 am on 07 July 2024 and Dwitiya Tithi will end at 04:59 am on 08 July 2024.

As per the Udaya Tithi, the Rath Yatra will start on 07 July 2024. Jagannath Rath Yatra will be taken out on 07 July from 8:05 am to 9:27 am. After this, it will be conducted from 12:15 pm to 01:37 pm and again from 04:39 pm to 06:01 pm.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 Puja Rituals

The Jagannath Rath Yatra involves a series of intricate and highly significant rituals, each imbued with deep spiritual meaning. The preparations for the Yatra begin months in advance, ensuring that every aspect of the festival is conducted with the utmost devotion and precision.

• Snana Purnima: This ritual marks the beginning of the Rath Yatra festivities. On this day, the deities are bathed with 108 pots of purified water in a ceremony known as Snana Yatra. This ritual is believed to purify the deities and prepare them for the journey ahead.

• Anavasara: Following Snana Purnima, the deities are kept away from public view for a period of 15 days, during which they are believed to recuperate from the bathing ceremony. This period is known as Anavasara, and it is during this time that the idols are repainted and restored.

• Netrotsava: The day before the Rath Yatra, a ritual known as Netrotsava or the "Festival of the Eyes" is performed. This ceremony involves painting the eyes of the deities, symbolizing their return to health and readiness for the journey.

• Rath Pratistha: On the day of the Yatra, the three grand chariots, Nandighosha (Jagannath's chariot), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra's chariot), and Darpadalana (Subhadra's chariot), are brought to the Jagannath Temple. These chariots are meticulously constructed and decorated, with each chariot having its distinct design and significance.

• Pahandi: The ritual of Pahandi involves the ceremonial procession in which the deities are brought out of the temple and placed on their respective chariots. Devotees and temple priests carry the idols amidst the chanting of hymns and playing of musical instruments.

• Chhera Pahanra: One of the most unique rituals of the Rath Yatra is the Chhera Pahanra, where the Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariots with a golden broom and sprinkles sandalwood water. This act of humility signifies that even the king is a servant of the deities.

• Pulling of the Chariots: The highlight of the Rath Yatra is the pulling of the chariots by thousands of devotees. The chariots are pulled through the streets of Puri to the Gundicha Temple, covering a distance of approximately 3 kilometers. The act of pulling the chariots is considered highly auspicious, and devotees believe it grants them blessings and removes sins.

• Stay at Gundicha Temple: The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days. During this time, various rituals and ceremonies are performed, and devotees flock to the temple to seek blessings.

• Return Journey (Bahuda Yatra): After their stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities embark on their return journey to the Jagannath Temple. This return journey is known as Bahuda Yatra. The rituals performed during Bahuda Yatra mirror those of the outward journey, including the pulling of the chariots.

• Suna Besha: Upon their return, the deities are adorned in gold jewelry and attire in a ritual known as Suna Besha. This grand and opulent ceremony is a visual delight and signifies the divine splendor of the deities.

Jagannath Yatra 2024 History And Significance

The origins of the Jagannath Rath Yatra date back to ancient times and are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. The festival celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, from their abode in the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be their aunt's home.

According to mythology, the construction of the Jagannath Temple was initiated by King Indradyumna after a divine revelation. The deities are believed to be self-manifested and have a unique appearance, unlike any other idols. The tradition of the Rath Yatra began with the king's desire to take the deities on a journey to their birthplace, thus establishing a ritual that has continued for centuries.

The Rath Yatra also symbolizes the journey of life and the constant movement of time. The deities' departure from their temple signifies a break from routine and the embrace of change, while their return after nine days symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra holds immense religious, cultural, and spiritual significance. It is a festival that transcends regional boundaries and attracts devotees from all over the world, symbolizing unity and devotion.

It is deeply rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition, celebrating the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It is a manifestation of the divine play (leela) of Lord Jagannath, and participating in the Yatra is believed to bring devotees closer to the divine.