The all famous Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra started on the morning of July 7th amid chant and slogans praising Lord Jagannath. The yatra will continue on Monday and resumed with Mangala Aarti and offerings, continuing from where it had paused on Sunday, the first day of the event.
The procession was halted at sunset the previous day, with Lord Jagannath’s chariot having moved only five meters forward. This year, the two-day Rath Yatra festival is being held after a long hiatus since 1971. The famous yatra began with the triad—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—ascending their respective chariots in a grand ceremonial procession amid chants of “Jai Jagannath.”
Dr. Jyoti Prasad, the temple’s Panchangakara (calendar expert), explained that the Yatra’s unusual two-day schedule resulted from shortened tithis (lunar days) during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashadha month. This rare phenomenon last occurred in 1971. According to tradition, chariots are not pulled after sunset, hence the stoppage on Sunday evening.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has declared a two-day public holiday on July 7 and 8 in honor of the Rath Yatra, which has gained the status of a global festival for its grandeur and scale.
Day 2 of the Rath Yatra has the three chariots scheduled to reach Sharadhabali. This annual sojourn sees the Lord himself stepping out of the Srimandir to meet his devotees in the Badadanda.
The Rath Yatra started yesterday, but due to several rituals falling on one day, the chariot pulling has extended to a two-day affair this year. This phenomenon last occurred in 1971.
Balabhadra’s Taldhwaj chariot was pulled yesterday and reached near Marichikot road. Subhadra’s Darpadalana chariot stopped near the temple administration office, while Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot had just started rolling and was a short distance from Singha dwara, just five meters before halting. Adhering to customs, the chariots must cease movement at sunset, ensuring the safety and sanctity of the procession.
A sea of devotees has gathered in the Badadanda to catch a glimpse of the Lord. Lakhs of devotees from across the globe have thronged Puri to witness this year’s Rath Yatra, which is very unique and special. Such an event is being held after a gap of 53 years. This year’s Rath Yatra is different as several rituals, including the Netra Utsav and Nabajouban darshan, are being held on the same day along with the Gundicha Yatra.
Several dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Deputy CMs Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and former CM and leader of the opposition Naveen Patnaik, took part in the grand event of the Holy Trinity. Elaborate arrangements, including security, have been made to ensure the annual festival is conducted peacefully and smoothly.
From Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya to Dashami, Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra, will reside at the Gundicha Temple, considered their aunt’s home. On Dashami (July 16th), the deities will return to the main temple in Puri. This return journey is known as Bahuda Yatra.
The Rath Yatra of 2024 remains a significant spiritual event, blending tradition, devotion, and the vibrant culture of Odisha. The rare two-day schedule has added a unique chapter to the festival’s rich history, drawing millions in reverence and celebration.