The Ratha Yatra of Jagannath along with Balabhadra and Subhadra started on July 18,2015. Odisha is known for its famous and sacred Jagannath Temple, which is in Puri. The Ratha Yatra or the Chariot festival is celebrated at the temple of Jagannath which is associated with God Jagannath.
On the occasion of 138th Jagannath festival, here are some unknown facts that you must know:
- Ratha Yatra is one of the oldest festivals of India and is also celebrated internationally
- 'Ratha' means chariot and 'yatra' means journey. The festival is celebrated to commemorate Jagannath's visit to Gundicha Temple through Mausi Maa Temple in Puri
- The deity forms of God Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are decorated on chariots and are rolled to Puri every year, celebrating the Ratha Yatra
- The chariots of the deities are newly built every year. Jagannath's chariot is called Nandighosa, the chariot of Balabhadra is called Taladhwaja and the chariot of Subhadra is called Dwarpadalana
- The total number of wheels on Lord Jagannath's chariot are 16, Lord Balabhadra's chariot are 14 and Subhadra's chariot are 12
- Poda Pitha is one of the major offerings which is made in the festival
- During the festival, the deities are decorated with over 208 kg gold
- During the colonial rule, the British rulers named the festival as 'Juggernaut' due to the large and heavy chariots
- Ratha Yatra has become one the international festivals as well. Cities like Dublin, New York, Toronto and Laos etc. also celebrate this festival.
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