Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is also popularly known as ‘The Festival of Chariot’. It is one of the most-awaited festivals and it is celebrated with vigor and zeal. This festival is associated with Lord Jagannath i.e. Lord Krishna, his sister Subhadra, and his elder brother Balabhadra.
This annual festival is celebrated on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in the bright fortnight of Ashadha month), in the months of June or July. There are a large number of tourists who take part in this festival from all over the world. Almost 4 to 5 devotees take part in Rath Yatra to get the glimpses of the idols in the chariot.
During the Rath Yatra, there are three richly decorated chariots which are in the shape of temples. The idols are taken out in the procession out of the main shrine of Jagannath Temple. The procession stops at Gundicha Temple and idols stay there for seven days and after that, they return back to their abode and on the way back the deities stop for a while near Mausi Maa Temple.
The beautifully decorated chariots are the highlight of the festival. During the procession, people dance, sing devotional songs, etc.
