Lord Shree Jagannath resembles the profound identity of the Odiya community. Odisha's heritage, culture and belief system are centred around him. He truly is the symbol of Odiya's pride. Legendary accounts, like those in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma Purana and other Puranas, state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Neela Madhab by a Savar king named Viswavasu, a tribal chief.
Though almost all festivals in India are celebrated enthusiastically, the Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival is one of the most vibrant festivals where millions of devotees and travellers visit the beautiful coastal town of Puri annually. Jagannath Rath Yatra is the oldest and largest chariot festival in the world. It is celebrated on the second day of the month of Odiya in Ashadha Shukla. The yatra commemorates the nine-day journey of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabadhra and his sister Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
Being one of the four main Dhams of Hindu pilgrimage, visiting the Jagannath Temple for the Lord's glimpse is a lifetime wish and prayer for millions. Interestingly, Lord Jagannath's devotees do not belong to a particular religion; they come from all walks of life and have diverse religious backgrounds. Since non-Hindus cannot enter the temple, the Lord comes out of the temple to bless and meet all his devotees from different socio-cultural and religious backgrounds. This profound love for his devotees makes the festival of the Rath Yatra unique in the world. Jagannath Mahaprabhu is not just any deity but a living God. He's a living philosophy transcending the notions of caste, religion and ethnicity.
If you think this festival is all about religion and devotion, you might be wrong. The nine-day annual Rath Yatra festival is a wonderful display of cultural diversity and Odisha's rich heritage. While each phase of the festival is worth celebrating, the chariot pulling by millions of people is extraordinarily exciting.
For a devotee who has had the fortune of standing on Mahaprabhu Jagannath's land, pulling the chariots or simply touching the rope gives them immense satisfaction. As a first-time visitor, this festival helped me journey through my perspectives of life, devotion, and spirituality. This experience transported me to a world of stories, experiences, and heartwarming visuals. The cultural, spiritual, and community-first experiences will surely touch the hearts of all those who have experienced and those who want to witness the extravagant festival of the Rath Yatra.
Arriving in Puri three days before the Rath Yatra was one of my best decisions. This allowed me to explore and understand how the town prepares for the yatra and what makes the Rath Yatra a memorable and divine experience for all. Puri's vibrant energy and warmth of the people captured my attention. During this festival, the streets of Puri display a wonderful mix of locals and those travelling from outside Odisha. An inviting atmosphere in Puri makes you feel more present at the moment and enjoy every bit of the festivities.
As I walked to explore the streets at night – two days before the yatra – the beautifully decorated raths or chariots stood magnificently as if they were only waiting for their Mahaprabhu Jagannath to come and grace them.
As I walked past the streets, I could feel a strong sense of community, spirituality and devotion, making me feel welcomed. Walking down to Puri Beach, I noticed how people relaxed with their family and friends, anticipating the beginning of the chariot-pulling day. I could only sense their love for Lord Mahaprabhu, as any worldly comforts seemed insignificant to them.
On the day of the yatra, after the deities are seated on their respective chariots, the 'Chhera Panhara' by the Gajapati Maharaja takes place. In Odiya, 'Chhera'means sprinkling of holy water and 'Panhara'means sweeping. Therefore, Chhera Panhara is sweeping off the chariots while sprinkling holy water. As the chariots move towards the Gundicha Temple along the "Bada Danda" or the Grand Road, the excitement of the devotees knows no bounds.
Witnessing the chariots being pulled in rhythmic motion—accompanied by the melodious beats of cymbals and devotees chanting 'Jai Jagannath'—is a blessing that cultivates a flood of emotions in the hearts of many people.
This festival offers a unique opportunity to anyone who joins it with an open heart and mind – to delve into the intersection of spirituality, religious devotion, culture and community. The endless stories surrounding the Rath Yatra help you understand the profound cultural narratives that play a crucial role in shaping festivals in India. Anyone who is blessed to witness this auspicious festival is sure to build a deeper emotional connection with not just Mahaprabhu Jagannath but also with themselves.
It is believed that good food paves the way to your heart. Though Puri may have few extravagant food joints, the simple and local food may still be quite tempting for many. The Mahaprasad, offered to Lord Jagannath, is a star delicacy for most people. The Mahaprasad includes rice, dal, mixed vegetables and sweets, served on a banana leaf. Its mild flavours reminded me of home-cooked food.
However, your trip to Odisha is incomplete without tasting some renowned traditional Odiya dishes. These include Dalma, a flavourful mix of lentils and vegetables cooked with simple spices and Pakhala, and fermented rice soaked in water, which offers respite from the heat and refreshes the body. The colourful local streets of Puri also showcase the glistening Khaja, a sweet dessert with a caramelised crust and Chhena Poda, a sweet made from cottage cheese. As I took a bite of each of these desserts, I felt introduced to the authentic flavours of Puri.
Surrounded by locals, travellers, and pilgrims, the vibrant streets of Puri will grab your attention for several reasons, including handicraft and souvenir shops, colourful cloth markets, and shops adorned with beautiful seashells. The Swargadwar Market and Grand Road Market bustle with their vibrant shops and endless activities, reflecting the local culture and traditions of Puri.
As an art admirer, I loved the traditional Pattachitra paintings showcasing mythological stories and folklore. Pipili Town's colourful Applique work on the bags, wall hangings and home decor items will also be a great attraction in the market. The Sambalpuri and Bomkai Sarees will impress you with their intricate design patterns and colours. Additionally, intricate stone sculptures and wooden carvings are something to always keep an eye on.
The Rath Yatra is truly a festival of emotions and devotion. The very thought of touching the rath or pulling its rope brought tears to the eyes of devotees of Lord Jagannath. I felt this myself, too. As I pulled the rope of the chariot, I felt a strong sense of aliveness with some rolling tears of joy. As I interacted with the locals, I realised how dynamic the relationship between the god and his devotees is. The sweet gesture of calling the Lord by the name of 'Jagga' symbolises how many devotees share a friendly relationship with Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath.
What I loved the most about this festival was the sense of 'seva bhaav' or service to the community during the festival. It is heartwarming to see people from different parts of India organise free food drives and engage in community service initiatives like cleanliness drives and medical aid.
It would not be wrong to say that the Jagannath Rath Yatra is a people's festival where emotions, devotion, friendship, and love take centre stage. The collective participation of people and easy accessibility to the divine make this festival unique. The vibrant streets are full of joyful devotees singing, dancing, and celebrating, showcasing the beauty of community-based travel. If this is not magical, then what is?