The Puri Rath Yatra Festival, held in honor of Lord Jagannath, is one of India’s grandest and most revered festivals. Known as the Festival of Chariots, it draws throngs of enthusiastic devotees from all over the world. This cultural extravaganza, steeped in legends and traditions, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of Odisha. Here, Swabhimani Odia presents some lesser-known yet intriguing facts about the Puri Rath Yatra Festival.

1. Inclusive Worship During Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the few orthodox Hindu temples in India that restricts entry to non-Hindus. However, during the Rath Yatra Festival, this restriction is lifted, allowing people of all religious backgrounds to worship Lord Jagannath and receive his blessings. This unique inclusivity during the festival is a testament to the spirit of unity and devotion that the Rath Yatra embodies.

2. The Three Chariots

The three deities of the Jagannath Temple – Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra – each travel in their own chariots during the Rath Yatra. These chariots, named Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Devadalana respectively, are marvels of traditional craftsmanship. Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosha, has 18 wheels, while Balaram’s Taladhwaja has 16 wheels, and Subhadra’s Padmadhwaja boasts 14 wheels.

3. Annual Construction of Chariots

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Rath Yatra is the annual construction of the chariots. Each year, new materials, including wood, are used to build the chariots, ensuring they are fresh and pristine for the festival. Despite the new construction, the design, structure, and dimensions of the chariots remain unchanged. Four wooden horses are attached to the front of each chariot, adding to their majestic appearance.

4. Temple-Like Chariots

The tops of the chariots resemble the structure of Hindu temples, creating a moving temple on wheels. Devotees pull the chariots with ropes, making for an awe-inspiring spectacle of devotion and enthusiasm. The canopies of the chariots are made from nearly 1200 meters of cloth, meticulously crafted by a team of 15 tailors.

5. The Reluctant Start

An intriguing and offbeat fact about the Rath Yatra is the initial reluctance of Lord Jagannath’s chariot to move. Despite the efforts of hundreds of devotees pushing and pulling, the chariot appears immovable at the beginning of the festival. It is believed that Lord Jagannath agrees to move only after a few hours of persistent effort, adding a mystical element to the proceedings.

6. The Royal Ritual

Although the monarchy system in India has faded, the ritualistic significance of the mythical king of Puri remains. It is believed that Lord Jagannath begins his ceremonial journey only after the path is swept by the king with a broom made of gold. This royal ritual symbolizes the continued reverence for traditional customs.

7. The Culinary Halt

During their return journey, Lord Jagannath and his siblings halt to savor Poda Pitha, a popular dessert in Odisha. This sweet treat is a favorite of the deities, who find it irresistible, adding a delightful culinary tradition to the Rath Yatra festivities.

8. The Lord’s Rest

Before the Rath Yatra Festival, the main door of the Puri Jagannath Temple remains shut for a week. It is believed that Lord Jagannath catches a high fever and needs rest during this time. Once this period of rest is over, the Lord embarks on his journey to his maternal aunt’s house for a change of scene.

9. Deities on the Move

The Puri Jagannath Temple is one of the few temples in India where the deities are taken out during festivals. Similar traditions can be observed at the Sultanpur Temple in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, and the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. These instances highlight the unique practice of taking temple deities out for public celebration and worship.

The Puri Rath Yatra Festival is not just a religious event but a grand celebration of culture, tradition, and community spirit. These lesser-known facts add to the charm and allure of this magnificent festival, making it a truly captivating experience for all who participate.