Devotees Flock to Puri for Bahuda Rath Yatra, a Spectacular Return Car Festival
Thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad gathered in Puri on the ninth day of the Jagannath Rath Yatra to witness the Bahuda Rath Yatra, also known as the ‘Return Car Festival.’ This grand celebration involves the majestic chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from Gundicha Temple back to Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The festivities commenced with the devotees eagerly awaiting the arrival of Lord Jagannath. People from different corners of the country and the world poured into Puri to be part of this divine event. They danced and celebrated, expressing their devotion and love for the Lord. The Yath Ratra, as it is called, is an annual event that attracts a massive gathering and requires extensive security arrangements for its successful execution.
A devotee who witnessed the Yatra at Gundicha Temple shared insights about the preparation and resources invested in manufacturing the three chariots. He revealed that Lord Jagannath visits the temple once a year and remains there for seven days before returning. During his journey back to Jagannath Temple, which takes two days, devotees eagerly seek his blessings.
The manufacturing of the Rath, or the chariots, costs approximately 5 crore rupees for the two-day travel of Lord Jagannath. It takes around four to five months to create these magnificent chariots, employing 600 to 700 individuals. The entire process is overseen by Odisha administrative officials to ensure its seamless execution.
The Rath Yatra is a significant Hindu festival celebrated globally, and its association with Lord Jagannath at Shri Kshetra Puri Dham holds immense importance. In Puri, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, mounted on majestic chariots, are displayed for darshan and taken to the Gundicha Temple.
These three chariots are pulled by lakhs of devotees from the Singha Dwar of Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. According to the Puri Shree Mandir Administration, approximately 13 lakh (1.3 million) people participate in the chariot festival, demonstrating their deep devotion to Lord Jagannath.
The Yatra began on June 20 from the Puri Jagannath temple and concluded at Shree Gundicha temple, covering a distance of nearly 3 kilometers. The deities embarked on a nine-day sojourn at the Gundicha temple before returning to Shree Mandir on the same chariots during the ‘Bahuda Yatra’ held on June 28.
The Bahuda Rath Yatra in Puri exemplifies the unshakable faith and devotion of millions of devotees towards Lord Jagannath. It is an awe-inspiring event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Odisha while uniting people from different corners of the world in their devotion to the divine. This festival serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between Lord Jagannath and his devotees, strengthening their spiritual connection with him.
