Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2021 Begins Today: History, Significance & Timings

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, one of the holiest and most important festivals for Hindus all over the world, begins today. The chariot pulling began today at 3 p.m. Normally a celebration where lakhs of devotees congregate around the massive Raths (Chariots), we are poised to see the second devotee-less Rath Yatra this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. 

About Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 

As the three chariots - Lord Balabhadras Taladwaja, Lord Jagannath's Nadighosh, and Devi Subhadras Darpadalan - prepare to roll along the great route, the police assessed the security measures and urged the residents of Puri to assist in enforcing the curfew orders in the public good. Let us find out what this famous Indian celebration, which attracts devotees from all over the world, is all about. 

History of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

Shri Jagannathji, Balabhadraji, and Subhadraji ride in a chariot to their aunt's residence, the Gundicha Temple, which is three kilometres apart, during this centuries-old ritual of Rath Yatra. On the tenth day of Ashadh Shukla Paksha, all three return to their respective temples and sit on their respective seats. According to religious beliefs, simply viewing this Rath Yatra results in the atonement of all sins and the attainment of salvation after death. 

Significance of the Puri Rath Yatra

In Hinduism, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is of great importance. The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa, organises this Rath Yatra. Jagannath Rath Yatra is held every year on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, according to the Hindu calendar. Every year, a huge number of devotees assemble for the yatra. The festival is marked by the adoration of Lord Jagannath (world ruler), his elder brother Balbhadra (Balaram), and his sister Subhadra. Three massive wooden chariots constructed of a kind of Neem tree are used to carry the deities during the yatra. 

Puri's Rath Yatra is a symbol of peace, fraternity, and unity. Thousands of devotees go from all over the country to participate in this yatra and gain good fortune by pulling the Lord's chariot. It is claimed that everyone who takes part in the Rath Yatra would be blessed with happiness and fortune.

According to religious traditions, Lord Jagannath goes on a Rath Yatra to the famed Gundicha Mata shrine, where he rests for seven days. After that, Lord Jagannath's way back home begins. The Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated as a festivity across India.

Lord Jagannath is one of Lord Krishna's incarnations. Jagananth Puri Rath Yatra is believed to be the equivalent of a hundred sacrifices. If a devotee participates in this Rath Yatra and pulls God's chariot, he will be bestowed with God's blessings. The Jagannath Rath Yatra lasts 10 days. On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, the preparations for the yatra begin with the erection of the chariots. 

Puri Rath Yatra 2021 Timing

President & Prime Minister of India offer their Greetings on this Holy Occasion of a Devotee-Free Rath Yatra

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered greetings to the country today as a devotee-free rath yatra began under curfew for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The administration has erected barriers along the three-kilometer-long Grand Road, which connects Shree Jagannath Temple to Sri Gunducha Temple, prohibiting any activities barring medical emergency.

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