Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023 celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm

Jun 20, 2023

The 9-day long annual sojourn of the Holy Trinity of Puri Jagannath Temple, Rath Yatra began on June 20 in Puri. Lord Jagannath along with elder brother Lord Balabhadra, sister Subhadra en route to their aunt’s house. The Holy Trinity began their journey from Shreekshetra to their aunt’s house or Gundicha Temple. The Trinity travel in their respective chariots which are named Darpadalan, Taladhwaja and Nandighosa. Taladhwaja, chariot of Lord Balabhadra, Darpadalan, chariot of Goddess Subhadra and Nandighosa, chariot of Lord Jagannath. Despite the scorching heat, lakhs of devotees from across India participated in Rath Yatra. Early morning, the devotees throng the ‘Bada Danda’ to witness the biggest festival of Odisha. Deities were brought out by the servitors in a traditional ritual called ‘Pahandi Bijay’. Thereafter, King of Puri, Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb performed the ‘Chhera Panhara’ rituals. Gajapati Maharaj is considered the first servitor of Lord Jagannath who sweeps the chariots with a golden broom. Finally, Puri reverberates with ‘Jai Jagannath’ chants as the three Chariots rolled down the Grand Road. Braving heat, thousands of devotees, police personnel pulled the chariots with great fervour and enthusiasm. However, the journey of the Holy Trinity could not be completed today as the chariots were stopped midway. The journey will be resumed on June 21 and the Holy Trinity will reach the Gundicha Temple next day