Rath Yatra is also called Navadina Yatra, Gundicha Yatra, Dasavatara and Gundicha Yatra. It is a yearly event dedicated to Lord Krishna (Lord Jagannath). The Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Celebration of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, is the largest and most prominent Hindu festival in the Puri city of Odisha. It is the oldest Ratha Yatra in India and the entire world. Puri is one of the Hindu tradition’s pilgrimage sites, where devotees pay significant homage. Ancient pilgrimage sites and lovely beaches abound in this amazing city of Odisha. This festival is held every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the months of June or July. Visiting the temple around this time is seen to be particularly auspicious. This year the events are starting from May will end in mid July. Jagannath Rath Yatra falls on Friday, 01 July 2022. Initial Rituals of rath yatra start from Akshaya Tritiya; the main chariot festival starts from Sri gundicha yatra and ends on Bahuda Yatra. The last ritual of this auspicious yatra is Niladri bije. As per officials, this year devotees are likely to be allowed to participate in the world famous Rath Yatra 2022 to be held in Puri of Odisha. It all depends upon condition of the pandemic. If public participation would be there, it will be with full COVID SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS.
Here is the list of some important rituals of Jagannath rath yatra 2022 with the date.
- Chandan Yatra falls on Akshaya Tritiya (Tuesday, 03 May). Chandana Yatra meaning Sandalwood Voyage in Sanskrit, which continues for 42 days, is observed in two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana. In the cultural tradition of Orissa third day of the bright fortnight of Vaisakha is very important. This day is observed as Akshaya Tritiya. From this day the farmers start sowing seeds for the ensuing harvest.
- Snana Yatra (Tuesday, 14 June) – Famously known as Snana Purnima or Debasnana Purnima. Abathing festival celebrated on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha on the occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra. It is also famous as Snana Purnima. It is the birthday of Lord Jagannath. This is the first occasion in the year as per the Hindu calendar, when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, and Madanmohan are brought out from the Jagannath Temple (Puri) and taken in a procession to the Snana Bedi. There they are ceremonially bathed and decorated for a public audience with the devotees.
- Netro Utsav & Nabajaubana Darshan (Wednesday, 29 June) – After the holy Snana Purnima, Lord Jagannath is said to catch cold and fever for a duration of 15 days. He is made to have homemade medicines and all the time takes rest in his cot. No devotees are allowed to visit the Lord in the Jagannath temple during these 15 days. After the completion of the 15 days when devotees are allowed to see Lord Jagannath in his favorite abode Jagannath temple Puri, it is known as Netro Utsav.
- Sri gundicha Yatra (Friday, 01 July) – Famous Rath yatra festival commences on this day. Lord Jagannath along with his siblings starts for the most pompous vacation to his aunt’s place.
- Hera Panchami (Tuesday, 05 July) – It is celebrated at Gundicha temple on the fifth day from the start date of the Car festival. On the night of the 5th day, the representative idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi (known as Subarna Mahalaxmi) is made to leave for the Gundicha temple in a beautifully decorated palanquin via Bada Danda (the Grand Road) in a colorful procession in pomp and splendor, accompanied by her servitors, to meet Lord Jagannath and to ask Him why he had not returned yet.
- Sandhya Darshan (Friday, 08 July): Sandhya Darshan event is performed a day before the Bahuda Yatra. It is believed that seeing the deities during this event is equivalent to seeing the Lord Jagannath in the Shrimandir for 10 consecutive years.
- Bahuda Yatra (Saturday, 09 July) – The return of the Gods from their aunt’s place to the Puri Jagannath Temple is known as Bahuda Yatra. This happens after 9 days of Gundicha Yatra.
- Suna Besha (Sunday, 10 July) – After they return, the chariots are kept in front of the Puri – Jagannath temple Puri while preparations are made for a royal look of the Gods. “Suna Besa” is the form Lord Jagannath takes up along with his brother and sister.
- Adhara Pana (Monday, 11 July) – This ritual is observed on Ashadha Sukla Dwadashi, in which the deities are offered a special drink on their chaiots. The drink is called Adhara Pana. It is a special type of sweet drink in which cheese, milk, sugar, spices are mixed.
- Niladri bije (Tuesday, 12 July) – Among all the rituals of Jagannath Rath Yatra of Puri, the most interesting one seems to be Niladri Bije. ‘Niladri’ suggests Lord Jagannath and ‘Bije’ means to enter. This is really interesting as it is all about the continuation of the fight between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Laxmi. Before entering the temple, the Trinity would be offered ‘Rasagola’ bhog on the chariots. With Niladri Bije (homecoming of the deities), the annual Rath Yatra of the deities will come to an end and the deities will give darshan to the devotees in the main temple.
Significance & Uniqueness of Puri Rath Yatra 2022
The temple is notable for the fact that Krishna is worshipped alongside his siblings, his elder brother Balabhadra and his younger sister Subhadra, as well as the Sudarshana Chakra. Every year, the goddesses’ chariots are reconstructed. The chariot of Jagannath is known as Nandighosa, the chariot of Balabhadra is known as Taladhwaja, and the chariot of Subhadra is known as Dwarpadalana. Lord Jagannath’s chariot has 16 wheels, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot has 14, and Lord Subhadra’s chariot has 12. For someone seeking moral merit and ultimate release, the Rath Yatra holds enormous significance. Anyone who draws the rope connected to the deities’ chariots and assists others in doing so, or just touches the rope or chariots, is said to gain the merit of several penances. All of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra’s accouterments become one with the deity himself. Vibrant colors, enthusiastic faces, crowded shops, and cheery craftspeople are just a few of the highlights of what you’ll see in Puri during Rath Yatra, the famed Chariot celebration held on a big scale every year outside Jagannatha Temple. During this time, you can sample a variety of foods that are said to be Lord Jagannatha’s favourites at the famed Rather mela, a funfair held to commemorate the festival. Poda pitha, urad dal, and jaggery pancake are some of the must-try delicacies. Hope that devotees can take part in this beautiful festival amidst the pandemic.
Published By: Sandipan Dutta
