Why is Rath Yatra Celebrated? 7 Powerful Stories Behind the Festival

Calling India the land of magical festivals would not be wrong. We live in a country that is the most diverse, and hence we have more than one festival each month of every other religion. You might celebrate all the festivals or not, but you surely have witnessed the grandeur in which they are celebrated. Our incredible nation is home to a kaleidoscope of festivals, each with its unique flavour and fervour.

From the majestic Rath Yatra of Puri to the dazzling lights of Diwali, from the rhythmic beats of Bihu to the crazy madness of Kumbh Mela, India’s festivals are a testament to its boundless energy and joie de vivre. Every festival reflects our country’s rich heritage, mythology, and values.

The best part about each of India’s festivals is that people come together in celebration as an occasion to share joy and strengthen bonds. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the magical world of Indian festivals, exploring their significance, traditions, and the unique experiences they offer. There are so many festivals every month that living in India always looks like the best opportunity.

In this blog post, we are going to talk about one of the most gorgeous and grand festivals of India, which is the Rath Yatra. This festival hosts millions of devotees from across our country and the world. This festival is a procession in which the devotees accompany the siblings in their journey to their aunt’s house. The festival is mostly of Puri, but it is celebrated in the entire country with equal zeal and joy.

The main deity of this festival is Lord Jagannath, who is a manifestation of Lord Krishna. He, along with Lord Balaram and their sister Subhadra, start their journey on this festival in their chariots. This is why it is called Rath Yatra, because their journey happens in their chariots.

Now, just like any other Indian festival, many stories are backing up this one as well. So, in this blog post, we will dive into all those stories.

Story of Rath Yatra

The Puri Rath Yatra’s rich history stretches back to the ancient era of the Puranas, with vivid descriptions of the festival found in revered texts like the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and Kapila Purana. These scriptures reveal the timeless significance and sacred traditions of this iconic celebration.

The Kansa Story

So, we all know about Lord Krishna’s evil maternal uncle, Kansa. He was one of the cruellest personalities or relatives in Indian mythology. He had one aim in his life, and that was to kill Lord Krishna. The legend begins with Kansa, Lord Krishna’s wicked uncle, who tried every trick in the book to kill him. He wanted this because it was prophesied that Lord Krishna was going to be the one who would end Kansa’s life. He wanted to control the outcome by killing him.

In a last-ditch attempt, Kansa invited Krishna and his brother Balarama to Mathura for a wrestling match. For this, he even sent a chariot to fetch them from Gokul. This pivotal moment is celebrated as Ratha Yatra, marking the day the brothers embarked on their journey. So, this was one story of the festival.

But did you know that the modern Festival of Chariots, Ratha Yatra, has its roots in 12th-century Jagannath Puri? This vibrant celebration honours Lord Krishna’s triumphant return to Vrindavan, showcasing the Lord’s unconditional love for his devotees.

The Dwarka Story

According to ancient lore, in the majestic city of Dwarka, Lord Krishna’s eight queens, filled with curiosity and devotion, approached Mother Rohini with a humble request. They wanted to hear tales of Krishna’s enchanting pastimes with the Gopis in the idyllic landscapes of Vrindavan. Mother Rohini acknowledged their request and began to narrate the stories of Krishna’s divine exploits, revealing the depth of his love and playfulness. However, as she shared these intimate moments, she discreetly veiled certain details, respecting the sacred and confidential nature of those pastimes.

Rohini, however, felt that these tales were not appropriate for Subhadra to listen so she sent her to guard the Palace doorway. As Lord Krishna and Balarama approached the doorway, Subhadra stood there, blocking their path. But before long, the captivating tales of Krishna’s divine pastimes being narrated by Rohini from within drew them in, transfixing all three – Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra.

It was then that Sage Narada arrived; he beheld the divine siblings – Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra – standing together in divine absorption. Moved by the sight, Narada offered a humble prayer: “May the three of you forever grant darshan in this sublime form.” And so, it came to be – the trio eternally resides in the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri, a revered destination for devotees worldwide.

The Vaishnav Cult Story

Parhi offers a different perspective on the origins of the Rath Yatra. As per those stories, they have linked it to the rise of the Vaishnav cult and its message of love and inclusivity. During the Bhakti movement, people sought a more personal connection with the divine, tired of the rigidities of a Brahminical society. Lord Jagannath, as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, resonated with the masses due to his perceived human-like nature, prone to illness, marital squabbles, and indulging in worldly pleasures. The Rath Yatra, rooted in legend but strategically timed, became a powerful tool for the cult to strengthen its hold on the community.

Conclusion

The Rath Yatra is a powerful symbol of unity and spirituality. People from all walks of life come together in devotion and joy. By participating in the rath pulling ritual and catching a glimpse of the deities, devotees believe they can attain spiritual purification and blessings. This vibrant festival is a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted spiritual traditions, showcasing the country’s ability to bring people together in celebration and devotion. It is strongly believed that

Lord Jagannath himself steps out of the Jagannath temple along with his siblings to bless all those who are unable to visit him for his darshan. The festival happens in June or July every year. Rath Yatra transcends being just a festival. More than that, it’s a joyous celebration of faith, tradition, and humanity coming together. It’s a symphony of colours, emotions, and spirituality that leaves a divine impression on the minds who attend it. There are many stories supporting the tale of this festival, and we shared some of them right here.

Let’s all come together to celebrate this grand festival with full zeal. Jai Jagannath.

Calling India the land of magical festivals would not be wrong. We live in a country that is the most diverse, and hence we have more than one festival each month of every other religion. You might celebrate all the festivals or not, but you surely have witnessed the grandeur in which they are celebrated.…