Rath Yatra 2022 is an important Indian festival that is celebrated across the country. However, it can be argued that the grandest celebration of the festival is observed in Odisha.
The celebration is observed on what is believed to be the birth anniversary of Lord Jagannath in the summer months of June or July.
Why do people celebrate Rath Yatra and how is the festival celebrated?
On this day, a chariot (rath) procession of the idols of Lord Jagannath rathayatra along with his brother Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra, is taken out to mark Lord Jagannath’s birthday.
The procession starts from the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orisha and ends at the Gundicha Temple, via the Mausima Temple that is dedicated to the Lord’s aunt. The idols are kept at the temple for a week before being brought back to their original resting places.
When is the festival celebrated?
As for the celebrations, the festival is celebrated according to the Hindu Calendar. The festival marks the second day following the new moon of the month of Ashadha or Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya.
It usually falls between late June or early July, in the monsoon season in Odisha.
The history of the festival and the best place to celebrate it.
It is interesting to note that the festival is not exclusive to Hindus but is also celebrated by Buddhists. Festivities are marked not only in India but also in many other parts of the Indian subcontinent.
Although you will find many rath yatras taken out on this day in several cities across India and Bangladesh, the grandest and oldest one remains the one in Puri, Odisha. It is believed that the celebrations can be traced right back to the 12th century.
How long is the festival conducted?
The festivities last for nine days but the preparations for the Yatra, which mainly includes decorating the chariots, begin many weeks before. During the nine days, many traditions and rituals are followed.
The main attraction, however, is the pulling of the large chariot which is designed to resemble the temple of Jagannath.
The chariot itself is very heavy to move but once the wheels start rolling, it moves largely due to momentum. This is where the English word Juggernaut finds its origin.
Best tourist points near Jagannath Temple
Plenty of people come to Puri for the Jagannath Yatra. Since the festivities last for nine days, people generally do get time to explore the surrounding temples and places of interest whilst here.
You can visit the Shri Vimala Shakti Peetha Temple, go to the Sudarshan Crafts Museum, Pari Udan, Lokanatha Temple and more. Apart from these, there are many beaches that you can visit whilst here; including the Golden Beach, Puri Swargadwar Beach, etc.
When is the festival being celebrated this year?
This year the rath yatra 2022 is being celebrated on the 1st of July. It falls on a Friday. The celebrations would commence on Friday, 1st of July and go on until the 8th of July, when the chariots are brought back.
The nine days of the Puri festival conclude in beautiful celebrations across Puri. The chariots are brought back home and the idols are put to rest. The city is known across the world because of this very festival and it is no less than a cultural phenomenon.
FAQs
Q1. What is the date of Ulta Rath Yatra?
The Ulta (reverse) Rath Yatra is being observed on the 8th of July in 2022. This is the day that marks the return of the chariot with the three idols back to the Jagannath Temple. This festival is observed every year, between late June and early July.
Q2. What is the destination of the annual Rath Yatra?
The destination of the annual Rath Yatra is the city of Puri in Odisha. If you want to know about the destination of the actual procession or Yatra that is taken out, then it is the Gundicha Temple. The procession also rests at the Mausima Temple, which is Lord Jagannath’s aunt’s house.
Q3. Who is the Sarathi of Lord Jagannath?
The charioteer or Sarathi of Lord Jagannath is Daruka. The chariot has 16 wheels and it is adorned with yellow and red flags. Daruka is the charioteer and Shankhachuda is the rope of the chariot.