Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 : The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual festival that holds immense significance for millions of devotees around the world. This year, the two-day festival commenced today, featuring several notable events and appearances, including the presence of President Droupadi Murmu. Here are the latest updates and highlights of this grand celebration.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: President Droupadi Murmu Joins Millions in Puri’s Spectacular Two-Day Celebration!
Key Events
Two-Day Festival Begins Today in Presence of President Droupadi Murmu
- Event: The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 began today in Puri, Odisha, with President Droupadi Murmu attending the event. This year’s festival will span two days due to specific celestial arrangements, a rare occurrence that last happened 53 years ago.
Devotees Celebrate Ahead of Procession in Puri
- Celebrations: Devotees are gathered in large numbers, celebrating and preparing for the procession. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and devotion as they await the commencement of the Yatra.
President Droupadi Murmu Witnesses Rituals in Puri
- Rituals: President Droupadi Murmu is present at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, witnessing the sacred rituals of the Jagannath Rath Yatra. Millions of devotees from across India are also in attendance.
Live Updates
4:00 PM IST – Chhattisgarh CM Prays for Good Rain
- Statement: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai offered prayers at the Raipur Jagannath Temple, expressing hopes for good rain and prosperity for the farmers in his state.
3:47 PM IST – Mamata Banerjee Offers Prayers in Kolkata
- Prayers: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the Rath Yatra celebrations in Kolkata, offering her prayers and joining the devotees in the festivities.
3:35 PM IST – Visuals of Procession in Puri
- Visuals: The procession visuals from Puri show President Droupadi Murmu witnessing the rituals, along with a multitude of devotees.
3:27 PM IST – Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Visits Jagannath Temple in Delhi
- Visit: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited the Jagannath Temple in Delhi, highlighting the cultural significance of the Rath Yatra.
3:11 PM IST – Procession Gets Underway
- Procession: The Rath Yatra procession has officially begun, with the chariots being pulled from the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
2:41 PM IST – Chariots Pulled for Two Days
- Announcement: Puri district collector Siddharth Swain announced that the chariots will be pulled over two days due to a unique celestial arrangement, a rare event last seen in 1971.
2:19 PM IST – Mamata Banerjee Prays at ISKCON, Kolkata
- Visit: Mamata Banerjee visited the ISKCON Temple in Kolkata, participating in the Rath Yatra celebrations.
2:05 PM IST – Yatra Expected to Commence at 4 PM in Puri
- Schedule: The Rath Yatra is expected to start at 4 PM, with rituals being performed by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb before the chariots begin moving.
1:57 PM IST – Latest Visuals from Shree Jagannath Temple
- Visuals: The latest visuals from the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri show the preparations and the ceremonial ‘Pahandi’ ritual.
1:38 PM IST – Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Visits Puri
- Visit: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited Puri to offer his blessings and witness the Rath Yatra procession.
1:27 PM IST – Procession to Start at 5 PM in Puri
- Schedule: The chariot pulling is scheduled to start at 5 PM, with Lord Balabhadra leading, followed by Devi Subhadra, and finally, Lord Jagannath.
12:33 PM IST – Odisha Police to Use AI for Traffic Management
- Technology: Odisha Police will use AI technology for effective traffic and crowd management during the Rath Yatra, utilizing AI-based CCTV coverage and drone systems.
12:05 PM IST – Significance of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra
- Significance: The Rath Yatra involves the deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra being carried on chariots from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.
11:44 AM IST – Devotees Offer Prayers in Delhi
- Prayers: Devotees are offering prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas, Delhi, celebrating the Rath Yatra.
11:21 AM IST – President Droupadi Murmu Wishes People
- Message: President Droupadi Murmu extended her best wishes to all citizens, praying for happiness, peace, and prosperity on this auspicious occasion.
10:40 AM IST – Mamata Banerjee Wishes People
- Message: Mamata Banerjee greeted people on the occasion of Rath Yatra, wishing peace, amity, and prosperity to all.
10:24 AM IST – Chariots Ready for the Yatra in Puri
- Preparation: The chariots are ready for the Rath Yatra in Puri, with final preparations underway.
9:42 AM IST – Devotees Celebrate Ahead of the Rath Yatra
- Celebration: Devotees in Puri are celebrating and preparing for the start of the Rath Yatra, creating a vibrant and devotional atmosphere.
9:34 AM IST – Gujarat CM Extends Wishes for Rath Yatra
- Message: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended his wishes for the Rath Yatra, highlighting its significance and wishing for a peaceful and prosperous festival.
9:29 AM IST – Tripura Rolls Out SOP for Rath Yatra
- Safety Measures: The Tripura government has implemented a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the safe conduct of the Rath Yatra, using insulative materials for chariot construction and restricting their height.
9:15 AM IST – Special Significance of This Year’s Rath Yatra
- Special Significance: This year, the Rath Yatra and rituals like ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ and ‘Netra Utsav’ are being held on a single day, a unique occurrence.
8:46 AM IST – Tripura CM Inaugurates Jagannath Rath Yatra Mela
- Inauguration: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the historic Jagannath Rath Yatra Mela in Melaghar, marking the start of a nine-day event.
ALSO READ : The Jagannath Temple at Banjara Hills, Hyderabad: A Divine Replica of Puri’s Spiritual Splendor
FAQs About Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024
- What is Jagannath Rath Yatra?
- Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, celebrated with a grand chariot procession in Puri, Odisha.
- When is the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 taking place?
- The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 is taking place from July 12-14, with the main chariot procession starting on July 12.
- Who is attending the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024?
- President Droupadi Murmu, along with other dignitaries and millions of devotees from across India, will attend the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024.
- Where is the Jagannath Rath Yatra held?
- The main Jagannath Rath Yatra is held in Puri, Odisha, but similar celebrations occur in various parts of India and the world.
- What is the significance of the Jagannath Rath Yatra?
- The Rath Yatra symbolizes the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from their temple to their aunt’s temple, the Gundicha Temple, signifying unity, devotion, and the removal of social barriers.
- What rituals are performed during the Rath Yatra?
- Key rituals include the ‘Pahandi’ (escorting the deities to the chariots), ‘Chherapahanra’ (sweeping of the chariot decks by the king), and the chariot procession itself.
- Why is the Rath Yatra 2024 special?
- The Rath Yatra 2024 is special because, due to celestial arrangements, the chariots will be pulled for two days, a rare occurrence that last happened in 1971.
- What are the names of the chariots used in the Rath Yatra?
- The three chariots are Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (Devi Subhadra).
- What precautions are being taken for the Rath Yatra 2024?
- Odisha Police are using AI technology for traffic and crowd management, and additional safety measures are in place to ensure a smooth procession.
- Who built the chariots for the Rath Yatra?
- Skilled craftsmen and carpenters of the Maharana and Ojha communities traditionally build the chariots from specific types of wood each year.
- What is the ‘Nabajouban Darshan’?
- ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ is a ritual signifying the youthful rejuvenation of the deities after their period of convalescence following ‘Snana Purnima’.
- What is the ‘Netra Utsav’?
- ‘Netra Utsav’ is a ritual where the deities’ eyeballs are freshly painted, symbolizing their return to health and readiness for the Rath Yatra.
- How many devotees are expected to attend the Rath Yatra 2024?
- Millions of devotees from across India and the world are expected to attend the Rath Yatra in Puri.
- Can tourists attend the Jagannath Rath Yatra?
- Yes, tourists are welcome to attend the Rath Yatra, and special arrangements are made for their accommodation and safety.
- What is the route of the Rath Yatra procession?
- The procession starts from the Jagannath Temple, moves through the Grand Road (Bada Danda), and ends at the Gundicha Temple.
- What happens at the Gundicha Temple?
- The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for seven days, after which they return to the Jagannath Temple in a return procession called the ‘Bahuda Yatra’.
- Is the Rath Yatra celebrated outside of Puri?
- Yes, the Rath Yatra is celebrated in many parts of India and around the world, particularly in places with significant Hindu communities.
- How can devotees participate in the Rath Yatra?
- Devotees can participate by pulling the chariots, attending rituals, offering prayers, and joining the celebrations along the procession route.
- What are the main attractions of the Rath Yatra?
- The main attractions include the beautifully decorated chariots, the grand procession, the fervent devotion of the participants, and the cultural performances.
- What is the cultural significance of the Rath Yatra?
- The Rath Yatra promotes unity, equality, and devotion, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and the inclusive nature of Hindu festivals.
