The holy town of Puri is alive with chants, colors, and faith as the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, enters its second day. The revered festival draws lakhs of devotees from every corner of India and across the globe to witness and participate in Lord Jagannath’s sacred journey.
Chariots of the Divine Roll Toward Gundicha Temple
As per centuries-old tradition, the three majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are being pulled towards the Gundicha Temple, where they will stay for nine days before returning to their home at the Jagannath Temple. This journey, which began on June 27, is a central aspect of the festival and symbolizes the Lord stepping out to bless all his devotees.
A First-Time Visitor Finds Peace and Purpose
Among the sea of pilgrims, many are experiencing the magic of the Yatra for the first time. A devotee from West Africa shared her heartfelt thoughts:
Foreign Devotee Reflects on Two Decades of Participation
Gaurangi Devika Das, a foreign national who has lived in India for 20 years, expressed her devotion with deep emotion:
A Devotee from Kolkata Shares Her Magical Moment
Parna, a pilgrim from Kolkata, described her personal experience at the Yatra.
State Leaders and Saints Offer Prayers for Peace
Among those who took part in the sacred event was Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who offered his prayers for global harmony.
From Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat, Swami Shri Sukh Darshan Das shared his blissful experience:
Chariot Pulling Timings and Closing of the Yatra
Shri Jagannath Temple Administration Chief, Arabinda K Padhee, confirmed the chariot procession began at 9:30 AM on June 28. The Yatra will conclude on July 1, when the deities return to their original shrine.