World famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins

The annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) of Lord Jagannath began different parts of the country. The festival is celebrated on second day of Sukla Paksha i.e. the day in bright fortnight of Ashadha month. It will see congregation of more than 10 lakh devotees.
In Odisha, the Rath Yatra in the coastal city of Puri began at 12th century Jagannath temple.
Celebrations: The nine-day-long festival marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balbhadra and sister Subhadra to the Gundicha temple. They are taken in their respective chariots to the Gundicha temple, place of their aunt’s house. During this traditional procession, the chariots carrying these deities are pulled by thousands of devotees. The celebration ends nine days later with Bahuda Yatra or return journey to their temple.
In Gujarat, 139th annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began in Ahmedabad. The historic Rath Yatra began from 400 years old Lord Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur area of old city.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2016