The Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra chariot celebrations started on June 20, 2023. This festival is celebrated every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in June or July.
It is one of the most important Hindu festivals, which is celebrated for 10 days, with the major celebration taking place in Puri, Odisha.
It has a rich history that dates back centuries. The festival is said to have originated when Lord Jagannath's sister, Devi Subhadra, expressed her wish to visit Puri.
The Rath Yatra is a spectacular parade in which the deities are carried in specially crafted chariots called Raths from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
Pulling the chariots is considered a devotional gesture and a means of seeking blessings. During the procession, thousands of devotees take part in pulling the chariots.
The King of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja, performs the Chhera Pahanra ritual by sweeping the chariots with a golden broom as a sign of humble service to Lord Jagannath.
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is a dynamic and important celebration that highlights Odisha's devotion and cultural heritage.