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Annual Rath Yatra in Puri will be a great way to comprehend country’s unmatched religious fervour for those booking tickets aboard India bound flights during the monsoon months of June-July. Here is a quick guide about this wonderful spiritual extravaganza!
Puri, with its majestic temples, air of piety and splendid beauty of beaches, is a great place to visit any time of the year. But for those who buy tickets to sojourn here during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, or Chariot festival, the holy city promises experiences of a lifetime! Celebrated during the beginning of Monsoon season, June-July, Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the biggest sacred extravaganzas in India. Participation in this colourful event is the best way to gape at the country’s immense spiritual fervour. Not just Indians, but a large of number foreign tourists who are eager to delve deep into the glorious religion of this wonderful country. Here is a quick look at this famous event!
Celebration
The huge annual gala celebrates venturing out of three main deities of Jagannath Temple – Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra – from their abodes. The idols of the deities are carried in massive wooden chariots pulled by masses of devotees. The idols are transferred to Gundicha Temple, around three kilometers away from the main Puri temple. The chariots in which the gods are transported are magnificently built of precious wood and move on 18 wheels. It is believed that even being the part of procession has a great spiritual significance and guarantees one a release from the vicious cycle of birth and death.
Rath Yatra 2014
In 2014, this joyous and riotous festivity will commence on June 29 and end on July7. The last day when the deities are brought back to their abodes is the most inspiring part of festival and allure thousands of devotees to grab tickets on flights for visiting this part of India.
Safety Tips for Visitors
Though Puri is completely safe for international tourists, those boarding flights to join the procession may heed the following safety tips:
- Maintain rules and regulations defined by the authority
- Take care of your belongings
- Stay close to family
- Don’t disrespect the local tradition or hurt religious sentiment
- Do not take photographs of women
- About Puri and Lord Jagannath Temple
About Puri and Lord Jagannath Temple
Puri is located along the Bay of Bengal in the Indian state of Orissa and an auspicious place for Hindu pilgrims. The city is widely famous for Lord Jagannath Temple, which according Hindu myths, is one of the four pious dhams (destinations) that a Hindu must visit, at least once in the lifetime. Besides its mammoth size and wonderful Dravidian architecture, the temple has a great spiritual significance and allures pilgrims from far and wide. Every year, thousands of devotees book tickets on trains and flights to visit this holy shrine and pay divine blessings of the deity. Puri is also home to a beautiful beach that is idyllic for swimming, sunbathing and several other water activities. The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar that hosts daily flights from many cities in India. International tourists who want to visit Puri and be a part of the Rath Yatra can book air tickets to Delhi or Jaipur.