Rath Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha and Jagannath Puri in particular, as well as other parts of India. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra, who are worshipped in the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.
During the festival, the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out of the temple in a ceremonial procession atop three decorated wooden chariots. The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees who chant and sing songs in praise of the Lord.
The chariots are a symbol of Lord Jagannath's journey to visit his aunt's home, known as the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for nine days before returning to the Jagannath Temple.
Rath Yatra is a highly anticipated and popular festival in India, drawing millions of devotees and visitors from around the world to witness the grand procession and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath. It is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing fortnight) of the Hindu month of Ashada.
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