July 7

Rath Yatra

Join the grand chariot procession of Rath Yatra, a vibrant celebration of faith, devotion, and the divine journey of Lord Jagannath!

Type

Day

Introduction

Engage in a vibrant celebration of faith on the Rath Yatra, taking place on July 7! This ancient Hindu festival has its roots in the city of Puri, in the state of Odisha, India, dating back almost two millennia. The main highlight of Rath Yatra is the grand chariot procession, symbolizing the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Subhadra to their aunt's temple. Enthusiasts across the world take part in this event of devotion, high spirits, and deep reverence. So, mark your calendar and join the exuberant celebrations of Rath Yatra, a unique blend of tradition, devotion, and joy! Let's set out on this divine journey together, cherishing the victory of good over evil.

Rath Yatra Timeline

12th Century

Construction of Jagannath Temple

The sacred Jagannath Temple, the primary location for Rath Yatra, was constructed in Puri, Odisha.

1795

British Intrusion

Amid the British rule in India, the Rath Yatra was heavily regulated and often limited, affecting the traditional celebrations.

1947

Post-Independence Revival

After India's independence, Rath Yatra received a significant revival and was celebrated with renewed vigor and passion throughout the country.

1967

Rath Yatra in the West

The first Rath Yatra outside India happened in San Francisco, instigated by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

2011

Largest Rath Yatra Celebrations

Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was reported as the largest gathering with 20,000 volunteers and over a million attendees, reflecting the event's growing popularity globally.

2020

Pandemic Impacts Rath Yatra

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Rath Yatra celebrations were heavily affected, with many events happening online or with strict health protocols.

How to Celebrate Rath Yatra

1 Build a Miniature Rath (Chariot)

Engage with the festival spirit at home by building a miniature rath, or chariot, with your family! Use household items like cardboard, paints, and craft materials to create your own representation of Lord Jagannath's divine vehicle.

2 Cook a Traditional Rath Yatra Feast

Increase the festival spirit by cooking a literal feast for the gods. Traditional dishes served during Rath Yatra include 'prasad' such as khichdi, sweets and savories. Celebrate this festivity by preparing these food offerings at home.

3 Host a Rath Yatra Storytelling Session

Invite friends and family over for a storytelling session. Share the rich history and significance of Rath Yatra, the tales of Lord Jagannath and the epic journey of the divine chariot to their aunt's temple.

4 Donate to Charitable Causes

In the spirit of Rath Yatra and the teachings of Lord Jagannath, donate to charities or causes you care about. This act of compassion and generosity aligns with the festival's emphasis on virtue and goodwill.

5 Host a Virtual Rath Yatra Procession

If physical participation is not an option, host a virtual chariot procession! Have each participant create their own rath and share it over a video call, adding music, stories, and food to make it a full online celebration.

Why Rath Yatra is Important

Rich Cultural Heritage

Rath Yatra is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of India, and the divine journey of Lord Jagannath. The festival brings people of all castes and creeds together in a demonstration of unity and faith, reflecting the diversity and resilience of our cultural traditions.

Celebration of Devotion and Spirituality

Rath Yatra is a grand spectacle of devotion and spirituality. As devotees pull the sacred chariot, they express their deep reverence and devotion to Lord Jagannath. This, coupled with the vibrancy of the festival, makes it a unique, joyous religious event that leaves lasting impressions.

Opportunity for Social Giving

The festival of Rath Yatra presents a great opportunity to uphold charitable causes. It gives us the chance to reinforce the teachings of Lord Jagannath by making donations to those who need them the most, promoting a sense of community and unity through social giving.