Rath Yatra 2018 - Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra Travel Packages, Deals & Offers

Organized in Puri, Rath Yatra is celebrated to commemorate Lord Jagannath. It is believed that the God visits Mathura for a few days during this period.

Rath Yatra is celebrated on the 2nd day of the Shukla Paksha, Ashadh month that is decided according to the traditional Oriya Calendar. During the procession of Rath Yatra, the wooden idols of the three deities, are taken from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. Placed in breathtakingly beautiful and decked up chariots all the three idols are accompanied by the pilgrims along with chants and conches.

The Rath Yatra begins with Snana Purnima, i.e. the idols are bathed with 109 buckets of water. They are then placed in isolation until the day of the procession, as mythology states that they are ill. The event is called Ansara. Chhera Pahara is a holy ritual performed on the day of the procession. The sacred ceremony is performed by the royal successor of Orissa with thousands of locals and devotees around.

The chariots are prime attractions in Ratha Yatra. They are decorated from the day auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya. Three main chariots, 50 meters in length are pulled by hands using long ropes. If you wish to add to your good karma and do away with evil deeds, pulling the chariot rope gives you an opportunity to repent.

Lord Jagannath’s Chariot is called Nandighosa and it 45.6 feet in height, with 18 wheels. Lord Balarama's chariot is called Taladhwaja, and it is 45 feet in height, with 16 wheels and. Goddess Subhadra's chariot is called Devadalana, and it has 14 wheels with a height of 44.6 feet.

If you wish to witness this grandeur and take blessings of all three deities, then plan your pilgrimage tour by selecting the best and most affordable travel packages at traveldealsfinder.com. With deals from renowned tours and travel companies like Yatra, Rathyatra.net and many more, you could opt for a hassle-free pilgrimage tour.

Ratha Yatra Tour Packages

Ratha Yatra is a huge Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in the state of Orissa, India during the months of June or July. Most of the city's society is based around the worship of Jagannath with the ancient temple being the fulcrum of the area. The festival commemorates Lord Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha mata's temple via aunt's home (Mausi Maa Temple which is near Balagandi Chaka in Puri).