The holy town of Puri in Odisha witnessed a truly historic Rath Yatra this year, with the grand chariot procession spanning two days, a first in 53 years. The unique celestial alignments last seen in 1971 necessitated this extended celebration, making the Rath Yatra 2024 a truly special event.
Key Dates of the Rath Yatra 2024:
- Sunday, July 7th: This day marked the core of the festivities. Following age-old traditions, crucial rituals like the ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ (grand public view of the deities) and the ‘Netra Utsav’ (awakening of the eyes) were held. In a unique twist, all the rituals involving the three deities – Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra – occurred on this single day.
- Monday, July 8th: The much-anticipated chariot procession, the heart of Rath Yatra, finally commenced. Devotees from across the globe thronged Puri to witness the majestic chariots of the deities. As they are being pulled along the ‘Bada Danda’ (Grand Road).
This two-day celebration marked a significant departure from the usual one-day format. The last time Puri observed a two-day Rath Yatra was in 1971. This year’s extended festivities allowed for a more elaborate and immersive experience for devotees, making it a truly special occasion.
Beyond the Dates: A Celebration of Faith and Tradition
The Rath Yatra 2024 wasn’t just about the extended schedule. It was a powerful testament to the enduring faith and traditions associated with this centuries-old festival. The devotion of millions of devotees pulling the chariots. And the vibrant decorations, and the spiritual significance of the rituals all came together to create a truly magical atmosphere.
This historic Rath Yatra will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. Not just for its extended duration, but also for the immense joy and spiritual fervour it brought to Puri and devotees worldwide. The event also saw a massive gathering of thousands of devotees of Lord Jagannath from across the world.
