Jagannath Rath Yatra 2022: Here's what makes it a very special occasion

The Jagannath Rath Yatra begins in Puri (Odisha) today. The festivities will continue till July 22. It is celebrated on the same day the Kutchi community of Gujarat celebrate their new year.

For Indians, especially those who follow Hinduism, it is a very important festival. The popularity of the festival can be gauged from the fact that people from all across the globe arrive in Puri to have a glimpse of it. No matter which part of the world they are based in, the devotees of Lord Jagannath make it a point to reach Puri and seek His blessings during this festival.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual festival during which Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra are escorted out of the Jagannath Temple and placed in their respective chariots. The chariots are drawn forward by a large number of devotees. The chariots are drawn to the Gundicha Temple which is roughly two miles away from the Jagannath Temple.


Since the chariots are massive in size, it takes a long time for them to reach Gundicha Temple. During this progression, a large number of devotees gather around Bada Danda, the area which the chariots travel through.

The preparations for the Rath Yatra start several weeks before it is scheduled. What makes the chariots special is the fact that they are constructed from scratch every year. Wood derived from different trees like dhausa and phassi are used extensively in the manufacturing process of these chariots. The construction process of the chariots begins on Akshaya Tritiya, which happens to be the third day of Vaisakha. The construction of the chariots is carried out right opposite the temple’s main office.