Rath Yatra or Ratha Yathra, the centuries-old festival associated with Lord Jagannath, is being observed on Saturday, 18 July, from 7 am in Odisha's coastal town of Puri.
Rath means chariot and Yatra means travel or journey and the chariot ride festival is observed as the annual journey of Lord of the Universe to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple, which is said to be his aunt's home.
This much awaited religious festival is also known as Chariot Festival or Car Festival.
During the Rath Yatra procession, the idols of Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are also carried on a highly decorated chariots.
While Lord Jagannatha's chariot is known as Nandighosa, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra is called the Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana is the chariot of Devi Subhadra.
Another highlight of the festival is that non-Hindus and foreigners can also take a look at the idols at the temple on the day as thousands from all over the world throng to Puri to be a part of the festival.
Where to watch Rath Yatra live?
Devotees can watch the popular Hindu festival live HERE
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many others have wished their followers on the auspicious occasion of the 138th Rath Yatra on their social media handles.
The Indian PM also shared some photos of the celebration from Ahmedabad in 2013.
Wishing everyone on the auspicious occasion of the Rath Yatra. Jai Jagannath.
Posted by Narendra Modi on Friday, 17 July 2015
Rath Yatra brings back many memories from Gujarat. Here are photos from the Rath Yatra of 2013 in Ahmedabad.
Posted by Narendra Modi on Friday, 17 July 2015
May Lord Jagannath bless you with everlasting peace and prosperity on the holy & serene occasion of Rath Yatra.#RathYatra #Nabakalebara #LordJagannath #Festival #PrafulPatel #India
Posted by Praful Patel on Friday, 17 July 2015
Heartiest greetings on this auspicious #Nabakalebara #RathYatra May the Trinity always be with you.Jai Jaganath !!
Posted by Shri. Suparno Satpathy on Thursday, 16 July 2015
