OdishaPlus Bureau
OdishaLIVE, a premier digital media platform from Odisha embarks on a unique initiative for Jagannath devotees and culture enthusiasts around the globe. A web series titled ‘Shree Jagannath Katha’, in Hindi, has been made available to global masses through its YouTube verified channel.
Rath Yatra or the annual Car Festival of Lord Jagannath is the biggest festival being celebrated in Odisha over centuries. It is also being observed around the world in more than 150 countries. “Thus, the media, which is carving niche content on art and culture in multilingual formats, intends to reach out the Hindi audience worldwide for a wider dissemination on the web”, said Nilambar Rath, Founder and CEO of OdishaLIVE.
The web series ‘Shree Jagannath Katha’ follows Jagannath culture expert Ashok Pandey speaking on a variety of topics related to Lord Jagannath of Puri, Odisha. He gives vivid detail into the various aspects related to the lord and the history of the temple and other interesting topics like making of the chariots, Devasnana Purnima, Sri Gundicha Yatra, Sunabesha, Adhara Niti, Mahaprasad, Gajapati Maharaja and other interesting facets, customs and legends associated with Rath Yatra.
Rath Yatra or Jatra is the celebration of Lord Jagannath, who is believed to be the Lord of Universe’s journey to his aunt’s house. This tradition is more than five thousand years old. It celebrates Lord Jagannath’s visit along with his siblings – Lord Balbhadra and Devi Subhadra – to the temple of Queen Gundicha.
Every year three splendid chariots are newly constructed for the elegant Rath Yatra (the journey) of the Gods – Lord Jagannath and his siblings. As per the tradition, the deities return to the main shrine after a 9 day duration. Every year, millions of devotees and visitors throng the holy city of Puri to witness this grand event.