Jagannath puri rath yatra 2023 date time: Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is the oldest Rath Yatra not only in India but in the whole world. The festival begins with the decoration of three grand chariots, each dedicated to a different deity. Skilled carpenters known as ‘Maharanas’ undertake the hereditary work of building these magnificent chariots.
Jagannath Rath Yatra is on June 20
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2023 This year, the festival is going to start on June 20 at 10:04 PM and end on June 21 at 7:09 PM.
Lord Jagannath’s chariot is 45.6 feet
Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosh, is 45.6 feet tall and has 16 wheels. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhwaj is 45 feet 4 inches in height with 14 wheels, while Goddess Subhadra’s chariot, Devdalan is 42 feet 3 inches with 12 wheels.
A grand procession takes part in the Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra is a grand procession in the afternoon when chariots are pulled by devotees with the help of ropes through the streets of Puri. The enthusiasm of the devotees is visible as they participate in the march towards the Gundicha temple as they chant prayers and hymns. Puri Rath Yatra is not only a religious event but also a celebration of the rich art and culture of Puri and Odisha.
When is Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra
The entire yatra is known as Gundicha Yatra, Nava Din Yatra (meaning “the journey of nine days”), or Ghosa Yatra. Celebrated annually on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of June or July, this festival attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists alike. This year, the festival is going to start at 10:04 PM on June 20 and end at 7:09 PM on June 21. The festival is celebrated for nine days, beginning with the Rath Yatra and the return journey (on the ninth day) known as Bahuda Yatra.
how to reach puri
Puri, known for its religious importance as one of the four major Hindu pilgrimage centers, attracts many tourists from all over the world. Situated on the beautiful coastline of the Bay of Bengal, Puri is also famous for its pristine beaches with a touch of spirituality. To get there, you have several options available to you.
by plane
If you are wondering how to reach Puri by air, then the nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or pre-booked cab to Puri, which is about 60 kilometers (37 mi) south of Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar airport is accessible for both domestic and international flights.
by train
For those who prefer to travel by train, both Puri Railway Station and Bhubaneswar Railway Station are convenient options. Both the stations are well connected to major cities across India, making it easy for devotees and tourists to reach Puri for Rath Yatra.
by road
If you are traveling by road then you can reach Puri by bus or car. The journey from Bhubaneswar to Puri by road usually takes around one and half hour.