The Glorious Rath Yatra | Odisha

OutlookIndia
OutlookIndia
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One of the most anticipated festivals of the year, millions of devotees from across the country throng to the Jagannath Temple in Puri to witness the divine journey of the lords. This year, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SC has agreed to allow the annual Rath Yatra in a restricted manner.

Video Credits:
Writer- Upasya Bhowal
Editor- Jasmeet Singh

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Transcript
00:00 Considered to be the largest and oldest chariot festival in the world, Odisha's Rath Yatra
00:12 is all set to commence on June 23.
00:17 This chariot festival marks the annual journey of the sibling deities Jagannath, Balramar
00:22 Balabhadra and Subhadra.
00:24 There are several fascinating tales revolving around this journey.
00:30 It is believed that every year, the siblings travel from the Jagannath temple in Puri to
00:36 their aunt's home at Gundbicha temple near Shardawali.
00:41 According to folklores, a week before the procession, the sibling deities have a fever
00:46 and the temple doors remain shut during that period.
00:51 Another legend suggests that upon Lord Krishna's death, his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra
00:57 ran to the sea with his body.
01:00 Around the same time, King Indradyumna dreamt that the body had washed up on his shore in
01:06 the form of a log.
01:08 In order to honour this log, he decided to build the temple.
01:14 Legend has it that Vishwakarma took the construction of the temple upon himself and insisted that
01:20 nobody disturb him during the process.
01:23 However, unable to keep his patience after a few weeks, the king barged into the room
01:29 one day.
01:31 Despite the idols being unfinished, Vishwakarma disappeared and the king decided to worship
01:36 those half-finished idols, thereby explaining their unconventional appearance.
01:43 Devotees join the procession in full swing by singing devotional songs and playing drums
01:48 and trumpets.
01:50 The Jagannath Ratyatra witnesses lakhs of pilgrims every year coming together to catch
01:56 a glimpse of all three deities, resulting in an explosion of colours and culture.
02:02 For more information, visit www.osho.com