Rath Yatra 2025: Devotees Rush To Greet Beloved Lord Jagannath On Resumed Chariot Pulling

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-06-28 12:33:23 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-28 09:50:37

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 0

---

Puri witnessed a grand celebration for the 68th annual Rath Yatra, with an estimated millions of devotees gathering to witness the grand spectacle. The most cherished event for followers of the Lord Jagannath cult resumed with the aarti and the pulling of the chariots.

After the spectacular beginning of the Rath Yatra on Friday, June 27, the holy aarti of Lord Jagannath in the Singha Deula courtyard nearby the Jagannath Temple in Puri resumed on Saturday, June 28. Marks the second day of the festival.

Amidst the rhythmic chanting of hymns, the aarti transformed the courtyard into a sea of devotion, admiration, and worship for the holy trinity of Puri's main temple: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Lord Subhadra. The ceremonial rituals were performed in full grandeur, where the presiding deities of the Jagannath Puri temple came out of the temple in a ceremonial procession to their chariots.

"The most auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra is a true celebration of the immense faith and culture of India. I was fortunate to witness this grand festival, and I'm confident that it will fill every devotee's heart with spirituality and happiness."

As the aarti of Lord Jagannath concluded, the three chariots began their journey, marking the climax of the celebration. Each chariot is custom-made every year, featuring intricate carvings and art depicting religious themes and images of the deities. The huge colourfully decorated chariots, drawn by multitude of devotees, moved through the Bada Danda, the grand avenue to the mandapas (temporary shelters) located in the gardens of the temple.

It is believed that Lord Jagannath's gaze fell on the Gundicha Temple, triggering emotional outbursts of devotion and love from the devotees. This event is seen as an opportunity for devotees to plead and seek forgiveness from the Lord, as well as wish for a prosperous year ahead.

As the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Lord Subhdra move along the Bada Danda, devotees hurriedly rushed towards the sides to greet their beloved deities, offering flowers, palm leaves, and hay to the chariots.

The grand festival will conclude with the Singha Dwadashi ritual, which takes place on the 12th day of the lunar month. It is when the deities return to their original temple in the Sameepata Pahuda ritual, which signifies the end of the festival.

Until then, devotees and pilgrims will continue to celebrate this ancient tradition with dedication and fervour.

Go!