OdishaPlus Bureau
Rath Yatra the festival of Chariots associated with Lord Jagannath. Rath Yatra of Puri is the famous all over the world. It is the journey of deities of Puri during Pahandi Bije when they leave the Ratna Bedi and come out in the open to enable devotees have a darshan of the deities. People in thousands come to Puri for this Ratha Yatra, not only from India but also from different parts of the world as well.
Everyone eagerly waits for this festival because this is the only day when devotees who are not allowed to see the Gods in the temple can get a golden chance to see the deities. Equality and integration is the symbol of this festival. Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra are worshipped within the temple but on this day, they are taken to the streets at Grand Avenue (Bada Danda) of Puri so that everyone can have the fortune to see them.
The three deities make their journey to their aunt’s temple (Gundicha Temple). The distance of this temple is about 3kms away from Lord Jagannath Temple. Rath Yatra festivities start from morning with all devotees pulling the chariots on the Grand Road (Bada Danda), it is the most exciting part of this festival and a treat to watch.
Taladhwaja (Chariot of Lord Balabhadra): Taladhwaja is the chariot of Lord Balabhadra. The green and red color canopy is the mark of this chariot. It is the second largest of the chariot. Four horses are the main attraction of this and these horses are in black color. This 44feet chariot has 14wheels. Matali is the charioteer of Taladhwaja while Nanda and Sunanda are the gatekeepers.
Devadalan/Darpadalan (Chariot of Goddess Subhadra): Devi Subhadra is adorned on the chariot named “Devadalan”. This chariot has a canopy colored red and black. The chariot has 12 wheels and is 43 feet high. This chariot has four horses and these horses are red. This is the smallest chariot. The Darpadalan is charioteered by Arjuna while Ganga and Jamuna are said to be the gatekeepers. Often ladies are found pulling the ropes of this chariot.
Nandighosa (Chariot of Lord Jagannath): Lord Jagannath’s chariot is known as “Nandighosa”. This chariot has 16wheels and is 45 feet in height. This Nandighosa chariot is very beautiful and everyone can identify this chariot by its color. Yellow and red in the canopy give an attractive look to this chariot. The charioteer of Nandighosa rath is Daruka while rope of the chariot is named as “Sankhachuda”. Jay and Vijaya are said to be the gate keepers of Nandighosa.