Rath Yatra

About

Rath Yatra is the grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, a form of Krishna worshipped at Puri in Odisha. It is held on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, the second day of the bright half of Ashadha. This date is the same in Purnimanta and Amanta calendars, as it falls in the Shukla paksha.

On this day the deities Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra are brought out of the temple and placed on three huge wooden chariots. Devotees pull the chariots by rope along the main avenue to the Gundicha Temple, about three kilometres away. The deities stay there for several days and then return in the Bahuda Yatra.

Rath Yatra is open to all, and people of every background join the pulling of the ropes. Many other cities, including those abroad, hold their own processions.

Significance and stories

The festival is understood as the Lord coming out of the temple to meet everyone, rich and poor, near and far, regardless of caste or status. Devotees say that seeing the deities on the chariot, which is called darshan, is a great blessing.

Stories differ. One says that Subhadra wished to see the city and her brothers took her on a ride. Another links the journey to the Gundicha Temple as the deities' visit to their aunt's home. Yet another tradition ties it to Krishna's journey from Gokul to Mathura. The legend of King Indradyumna and the discovery of the wooden form of Jagannath is also told at Puri. These traditions complement each other, and all are shared in devotion.

Before the Rath Yatra, on Jyeshtha Purnima, the deities are bathed in a ceremony known as Snana Yatra, after which they are said to rest in seclusion. Traditions describe a fortnight of rest before the Rath Yatra.

How to observe (puja vidhi)

1. Rise early, bathe and wear clean clothes. Light a lamp at your home shrine.
2. Place a picture of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, or a Krishna image if you do not have one.
3. Offer flowers, tulsi leaves, incense and a lamp, with a short prayer.
4. Offer simple bhoga (food offering). Sweets, fruits or a simple khichdi are common.
5. Chant "जय जगन्नाथ" (Jai Jagannath) or sing bhajans and kirtan.
6. If a procession is held nearby, join it, or watch the live broadcast from Puri.
7. Take part in pulling the rope or giving service where permitted.
8. Share the prasad and offer food to others.

Puja items (samagri)

• Pictures or small idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra
• Tulsi leaves, flowers and garlands
• Incense, ghee lamp, camphor
• Fruits, sweets, and a simple cooked offering
• Sandalwood paste, rice, a small cloth for the deities

Fasting and food

The day is a feast day rather than a strict fast. Many people eat only satvik, vegetarian food, and avoid onion and garlic. At Puri, Mahaprasad is well known, cooked in clay pots and shared widely. Some devotees keep a half-day fast until the procession starts. People with health conditions, pregnant or nursing women, children and the elderly should follow their doctor's advice and may keep a lighter fast.

Regional customs

At Puri, the three chariots are rebuilt every year using traditional wood, and the king of Puri sweeps the chariot platform in a ritual called Chhera Pahanra. In Odisha every home prepares special offerings, and the Mahaprasad is shared in the temple. In Bengal, the Rath Yatra of Mahesh is old and well-known. Gujarat holds a big procession in its cities. ISKCON communities hold Rath Yatra festivals around the world with chanting, dance and free meals. Traditions vary from place to place.

Celebrating in the USA

Many American cities hold a Rath Yatra procession, often organised by ISKCON or other Vaishnava communities. These are open to everyone, usually with a decorated chariot, kirtan, dance and free vegetarian food. They are often held on a weekend near the traditional date, so check your local community announcement. At home, set up a picture, offer a simple bhoga and watch the live broadcast from Puri. Bring water and sun protection for outdoor processions, and follow local rules about parade routes and permits.