Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: President Murmu to Grace Puri with Attendance on July 7, Deepening Emotional and Cultural Significance

Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Rath Yatra of the Jagannath Puri Temple is one of the oldest and the most grand Hindu chariot procession.

The President of India Draupadi Murmu is going to attend the Yatra from Sunday, July 7, 2024. According to a release from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu will embark on a four-day visit to Odisha, starting on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Source: pragativadi.com

About the Jagannath Rath Yatra:

Source: myfayth.com

The Jagannath Ratha Yatra of Puri, also referred to as the Jagannath Ratha Jatra, stands as the oldest and most prominent Hindu chariot festival. This annual event takes place during the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadh (June–July).The festival unfolds in Puri, Odisha, and revolves around the deity Jagannath, revered as a manifestation of Vishnu or Krishna.

During the festival, three deities – Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra – are transported in three massive wooden chariots by countless devotees along the grand avenue known as bada danda to the Gundicha Temple. The deities stay at Gundicha Temple for a week before embarking on their return journey to the Jagannath Temple, known as the Bahuda Yatra.

Source: Hindustan Times

This year’s Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra holds special significance for devotees due to rare occurrences of key rituals like ‘Nabajaubana Darshan’, ‘Netra Utsav’, and the ‘Gundicha Yatra’ happening on July 7, a combination not seen since 1971. Lord Jagannath, revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the supreme ruler of the universe, stands as the central figure of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra or chariot festival. This festival commemorates the 9-day visit of the holy trinity to their birthplace at Gundicha Temple.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Jagannath Rath Yatra takes place on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day of the waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashadha. Celebrated worldwide, Rath Yatra begins with the journey of the Holy Trinity to the temple of their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi. The festival concludes on July 16 with the Bahuda Yatra, which marks Lord Jagannath’s return journey along with his siblings.

The preparation for the 2024 Jagannath Rath Yatra: 

Every year, three new chariots are meticulously constructed before the Jagannath Rath Yatra begins, each uniquely designed and adorned by local artists. Bal Krishna Moharana, a member of the chariot construction team, mentioned, “Every year, we prepare three chariots for Prabhu Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

Jagannath Ji’s chariot is equipped with 16 wheels, Balabhadra Mahaprabhu’s chariot has 14 wheels, and Maa Subhadra’s chariot features 12 wheels. We source new wood annually from the jungles of Daspalla and Nayagarh.”

Source: MyTravaly

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a two-day holiday for the upcoming Rath Yatra on July 7 and 8, marking a special occasion after 53 years. “As the Jagannath Rath Yatra will last for two days, I instruct the relevant officers to announce public holidays for this duration,” Majhi stated during a meeting to review preparations for the festival in Puri.

He emphasized the need for collective cooperation to ensure timely rituals and a successful culmination of the event. This year’s Jagannath Rath Yatra is particularly unique because all three significant rituals are aligned on the same day. It presents both a challenge and a matter of privilege,” remarked the Puri district magistrate, highlighting the event’s significance amidst the tenure of the new BJP government.

President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Puri on the day of the chariot procession was also highlighted. “All concerned departments are fully prepared, and we have conducted multiple rounds of interdepartmental and coordination meetings,” he added. The district magistrate provided further details about logistical preparations for the Jagannath Rath Yatra, mentioning extensive police deployment and the identification of approximately 28 parking locations.

Arrangements were also made to set up public facilities at transit points to offer temporary accommodations for people arriving from different districts and states.