Jagannath Rath Yathra begins in Puri
The nine-day-long renowned festival of Jagannath Rath Yatra has commenced today in Puri. Lakhs of devotees participate in the festival which mainly consists of pulling the sacred chariots of Hindu deities, Lord Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra. Tight security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of Rath Yatra. It is considered that, by pulling the chariots devotees will get blessings and their wishes will be fulfilled.
On this auspicious occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the nation through twitter, “With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, may our country scale new heights of growth. May every Indian be happy and prosperous.”
Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah who is in Gujarat, participated in the ‘mangala aarti’ at the Lord Jagannath Temple, before the commencement of Rath Yatra.
Puri Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Rath Yathra is one of biggest festivals of north India, where millions of devotes arrive at the Jagannath temple in Puri, Orissa, seeking the blessings of Lord Jagannath. It is celebrated in the auspicious day of ‘Ashad Shukla Dwitiya’ as per lunar calendar, which falls mostly in early July.
Lord Jagannath is considered as one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. Jagannath means the Lord of the Universe. As per the myth, Lord Jagannath along with Lord Balram and Goddess Subhadra are taken on rath (chariot) to Gundicha Mata Temple, which is believed to be the home of their aunt. Pulling the chariots, with the idols of the lords on them, is considered to be an auspicious thing and it is believed, by pulling the chariots their sins will be forgiven by the Lords.