Culture
4 months ago

The divine Chariot ride from Puri to Bengal

Rath Yatra is a deeply rooted cultural practice in the eastern states of India, and it is highly cultural and religious. Representational image
Rath Yatra is a deeply rooted cultural practice in the eastern states of India, and it is highly cultural and religious. Representational image

Published :

Updated :

The Rath Yatra festival of Sri Sri Jagannathdev, a significant religious event for followers of Sanatan Dharma, commenced on July 7. Jagannathdev's chariot journey begins annually on the second tithi of the Shukla Paksha of Chandra Ashadha.

The International Krishna Consciousness Sangh (ISKCON) has organized a nine-day celebration brimming with joy and various religious activities, including vibrant processions.

The festival will culminate with the colourful Ulta Rath procession, set to begin at 3 pm on July 15, promising a spectacle of joy and vibrancy.

Events during the festival include Harinam Sankirtan, Vishwa Shanti and Mangal Kamanaya Agnihotra Yajna, Padavali Kirtan, Aarti Kirtan, Bhagavad Katha, Mahaprasad distribution Srimad Bhagavat Gita readings, discussion meetings, processions, cultural programs, religious film screenings, and religious drama performances.

However, the meaning of the word' Rath' is different for the followers of traditional religion. Also, it is very high in importance and respect. To them, the chariot is a vehicle made of wood on which the Lord Himself travels from one place to another. This chariot ride of the Lord is known as 'Rath Yatra'.

This holy festival is celebrated at a certain time every year. There are various stories about the chariot, which is associated with Lord Sri Krishna.

The Rath Yatra of Jasomadhava of the Indian state of Odisha and the Rath Yatra of Jagannath Dev of Mahesh are also famous in the subcontinent.

Rath Yatra is a deeply rooted cultural practice in the eastern states of India, and it is highly cultural and religious.

Jagannath and Vishnu are two forms of Lord Krishna. Balarama or Balabhadra, Sri Krishna or Jagannath, and Subhadradevi are siblings.

The Puranas state that they are revered for their close and loving relationship with their three siblings. Rath Yatra is also based on them.

According to the 'Brahmanda Purana,' an ancient legend from Odisha, Jagannathdev's chariot journey dates back to the Satya Yug. During this period, Odisha was known as Malbadesh. King Indradyumna, a devout follower of Vishnu from the Malavadesh Suryavamsya lineage, dreamt of creating an idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Jagannath and received a divine command to embark on the chariot journey.

The Jagannath temple in Puri and the Rath Yatra tradition began under his direction, highlighting the Rath Yatra festival's deep historical roots and continuity.

In Bengal, the Rath Yatra tradition also traces back to Jagannath Dev's Rath Yatra in Puri. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu introduced this practice to Bengal from Nilachal, where Vaishnavas, devotees of Chaitanya, emulated Puri's Rath Yatra. This festival is celebrated in many parts of Bengal, known as Rath Utsav, on the second tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Bengali Ashad month.

On this day, Jagannath travels to the Gundicha temple with his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra, returning to his temple after seven days. The day of departure is called Soja Rath, and the return journey is known as Ulta Rath.

They begin their journey with three well-decorated chariots in a row. Many consider visiting the Gundicha temple like going to the aunt's house. According to ancient beliefs, Gundicha was the wife of King Indradyumna, though scholars have differing opinions.

Beyond Puri, the Rath festival is celebrated in many Hindu regions worldwide. In Bangladesh, chariot celebrations occur under various names. For instance, in Dhamrai of Savar, Yasomadhava's chariot procession is celebrated enthusiastically, and in Joydevpur, Gazipur, the Rath Yatra of Manikyamadhava takes place.

Districts like Tangail, Jhenaidah, Kushtia, Naogaon, Chapainawagganj, Sylhet, Dinajpur, Narayanganj, Brahmanbaria, and Chittagong also celebrate Rath Yatra. Hindus from neighbouring villages and upazilas and people of all religions come to enjoy these festivities.

Beautiful fairs centred around the chariots are held in various places. Bananas and trinkets are commonly bought and sold, and vendors offer dry food like khai, muri-murki, chira vaja, jilapi, amitti, and other sweets. Handmade clay pots, dolls, cloth dolls, children's toys, souvenirs, wooden Thakurghars, and other items are also available at Rath Melas.

[email protected]

Share this news