14 Night / 15 Days Duration
Date of Celebration : 7th July, 2024
Travel with God is a unique festival in Puri. The grand chariot festival of lord Jagannath, popularly known as Rath Yatra is celebrated throughout the country and world. But the origin is in Puri, Odisha, India which is world famous and very colorful. Around 25, 00, 000 people from around the world throng the holy city to watch the festival. Lots of devotee and visitors draw three chariots from main Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple (3 km.) and the return journey falls after 9 days back to the main temple.
How to reach Puri
The world famous town of Puri (Lies in eastern Indian state of Odisha) is the home of Lord Jagannath which is one of the major tourist attractions of the country and considered one of the important Dham in India. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (60 km) nearest railway station Puri is just 2 km from the grand road where the festival is celebrated.
Also the same festivals celebrated in tribal areas of Bissam Cuttack area of Rayagada district. A particular tribe in Orissa fixed the marriage at the beginning of festival and many newly married tribal couple congregates wearing with their traditional ornaments and costume which is another attraction of festivals.
Location of this festival
Throughout the state but Chariot festival in tribal area (southern – part of Orissa) called Bissam Cuttack. The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam (250 km) and Bhubaneswar (400 km).
Nearest railway station is Bissam cuttack (10km), nearest main railhead is Rayagada (45km). And it connects with all weather motor able roads.
Highlight of the Festivals
Only Hindus are allowed inside the Jagannath temple. The God himself travel to his birth place and this is the time the devotees from different religion, cast and creed wait for this day to have darshan of Lord and pull his chariot. The prime attractions of the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath are the gigantic Chariots completely made from wood. The preparation of the chariots (every year new chariot) starts on the day of Akshay Tritiya. There are 3 main chariots for Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balaram and sister Subhadra pulled by hands using long ropes made of coir, which are 50 meters in length. It is believed that pulling this rope is like adding to your good Karma and doing penance for your bad deeds.
Lord Jagannath’s Chariot is called Nandighosa which is 45.6 feet in height and has 18 wheels. The chariot of Lord Balaram’s is 45 feet in height and 16 wheels and called Taladhvaja. Similarly, Devadalana is Goddess Subahdra’s chariot if 44.6 feet which has 14 wheels. Artists decorate these chariots in a beautiful manner with the help of designs, motifs and paints.
Before the pulling of chariot, the king of Puri who plays an important role during festival sweeps the three chariots with golden broom. As the procession starts, the chariot of Lord Balram are pulled, followed of Goddess Subhadra and that of Lord Jagannath at last. The distance between the two temples is just 3 km but the whole enthusiasm of the tourists and the devotees clubbed with singing devotional song, dancing, and chants and drum beating, takes a few hours. For the next 9 days, devotees can seek blessings of the Lords and the Goddess.
During the return Yatra, the Bahuda Yatra makes a halt at the Mausi Maa Temple. Here the deities are served Poda Pitha, a sweet pancake. It is believed that this pancake is the poor man’s food and the Lord is fond of it.
Jagannath Rath Yatra or the Chariot festival is known to be one of the oldest and also the grandest procession festival, which is celebrated every year in India. It also finds its mention in Puranas of Hinduism such as Padma Puran, Brahma Puran and Skanda Puran.
Photography- Allowed
Entry tickets: if you want seating arrangement at PURI during Chariot festival then it is chargeable
Tour program- The tour Itinerary covers the most colorful chariot festival both in Puri and in the wonderful tribal part of Orissa. The beautiful tribal village, forest, mountain, landscape, river, waterfall and isolated ethnic village will definitely an unforgettable trip for you. For instant Itinerary please feel free to contact us.
Tour itinerary / duration: 14 Night / 15 Days (weekend to weekend) – or as per your choice