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Highlights | Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Mega Festival To Culminate After 9 Days

The annual Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is being celebrated with pomp, devotion, and enthusiasm. The Rath Yatra started on June 20, 2023, and will culminate on June 28, 2023, in the temple town of Puri in Odisha.

Sea of devotees at Puri Rath Yatra (Pic: ANI)
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The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is an important annual festival held in Odhisha's Puri. It is an annual chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe and a form of Lord Krishna.  The pious festival is also known as Navadina Yatra, Dasavatara Yatra, and Gundicha Yatra. As per the traditional Odia calendar, it is celebrated on the 2nd day of Shukla Paksha and holds major significance among Hindus, especially among devotees in the state. The Puri Rath Yatra 2023 is being celebrated this year from June 20 and devotees from across the country and even different parts of the world are expected to visit the state and the temple town during this period. Apart from Lord Jagannath, devotees also worship his siblings and Gods Balram and Subhadra during this festival.

Thank You for staying with Zee News for all the latest breaking news updates on Rath Yatra.

 

 

21 June 2023
09:28 AM

Ratra Yatra 2023: Tragedy In Jharkhand

Three minors died in lightning strikes at two places in Jharkhand's Hazaribag on Tuesday, an official said. In Salwar area, two persons died and 12 others were injured in a lightning strike while returning from a Rath Yatra procession, he said. Eight of them suffered grievous injuries, he said. The incident took place around 4.45 pm along a stretch of National Highway-100 (Hazaribag-Bagodar Road). Two devotees were killed and 12 injured while they were returning from a Rath Yatra,? Sub-Divisional Officer, Hazaribag Sadar, Vidyabhushan Kumar, told PTI.

00:03 AM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023 Live Updates: Chariot Pulling Started At 3.04 pm

Chariot pulling started at 3.04 pm with Lord Balabhadra leading the procession riding Taladhwaja amid chants of "Jai Jagannath", "Hari Bol" followed by Devi Subhadra's Darpadalan chariot and Lord Jagannath's Nandighosh. The yatra reached its destination late in the night. Around 82 people were given first-aid as they fainted due to excessive heat and humid weather condition.

00:02 AM

Jagannath Ratha Yatra Live Updates: 14 Injured During Rath Yatra In Puri

At least 14 people were injured during the pulling of Lord Balabhadra's Taladwaj chariot here on Tuesday, officials said. The incident took place in the afternoon when the Taladwaj chariot reached Marichikote Chhak. They have been admitted to Puri District Headquarters Hospital. "We have received 14 injured persons and one of them is critical," a doctor said.

00:01 AM

Live Updates: 12 Hours Long Yatra In Ahmedabad

The procession which stretched up to 1.5 km comprised nearly 15 decorated elephants, 100 trucks with tableaux, around 30 religious congregations and Akharas and around 20 singing troupes followed by three chariots. It moved through some communally sensitive areas like Jamalpur, Kalupur, Shahpur and Dariyapur and finally came back to the temple late in the evening after almost 12 hours. Members of the Muslim community welcomed the chariots in Muslim-dominated areas with garlands and other offerings.

23:59 PM

Live Updates: Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra Passes Off Peacefully In Ahmedabad; One Dead In Accident

The 146th edition of the annual Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra or chariot procession passed off peacefully in the city on Tuesday with lakhs of devotees thronging the streets and police maintaining a tight vigil. In an unfortunate incident, a man died and few others were injured when the balcony of a house along the procession route collapsed. When the Raths or chariots were returning to the temple, the one carrying Lord Balbhadra or Balram suffered a snag in Ghee Kanta area, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Komal Vyas. 

20:17 PM

Live Updates: Jagannath Ratha Jatra 2023: Visuals From Site Where 8 Person Were Injured

Eight people were injured after a portion of a building collapsed in Ahmedabad's Dariapur during the 'Rath Yatra' procession

19:50 PM

Live Jagannath Ratha Jatra 2023: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Offers Prayer

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today offered prayer during the annual Jagannath ratha jatra in Odisha. Vaishnaw shared a video on his Twitter handle.

 

19:13 PM

Live Updates Jagannath Ratha Jatra 2023: NDRF Rescues Inured In Balcony Collapse

An NDRF team, which was deployed to provide aid in case of any mishappening, rushed to help injured after a balcony collapsed during the Ratha Jatra. Those injured have been given primary treatment and are said to be stable.

18:32 PM

Rath Yatra 2023: President Droupadi Murmu Visits Lord Jagannath temple

President Droupadi Murmu, on the occasion of her birthday visited the Lord Jagannath Temple and also met children at Kalyan Kendra in President's Estate and Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust in Delhi.

18:22 PM

Rath Yatra 2023 LIVE: One Dead After Balcony Collapses During Celebrations

As per PTI's report, one person died in the incident after a part of a house collapsed during the celebrations. The video of the balcony falling down along with people is being shared on social media. More details on the incident are awaited.

18:06 PM

Jagannath Yatra 2023 Live: Indian Railways Operating 208 Trains

To help the pilgrims visiting the Jagannath Yatra processions in Puri, Indian Railways has announced that it has commenced services of 208 trains connecting multiple states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Chattisgarh. These special trains are expected to handle the influx of passengers because of the festivities in Puri.

Check Full List Of Trains Here

17:56 PM

Breaking: Part Of Building Collapses During Rath Yatra 2023 Celebrations

During the celebrations, 11 people were injured after a part of the two-story building collapsed in Ahmedabad's Dariyapur. The people wounded escaped the incident with minor scratches.

17:48 PM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Vadodara Man Uses Solar-Powered Chariot

An inhabitant of Vadodara, Jai Makwana, participates in Jagannath Yatra every year. However, unlike other people pulling the procession, the man uses a solar-powered robot to pull the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

17:47 PM

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Rath Yatra in Ranchi

17:38 PM

Rath Yatra 2023 Rituals: Chhera Pahanra ritual of the chariots performed

The Chhera Pahanra ritual of the chariots performed by Shri Shri Gajapati Maharaj.

16:35 PM

Rath Yatra 2023 Rituals: Puri Maharaja Sweeps Chariots 

Divya Singha Deb, the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, on Tuesday ritualistically swept the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings, before they are ceremoniously pulled by devotees. The titular king of Puri, clad in a spotless white attire and carried in a silver-plated palanquin, climbed up on the chariots one by one, and swept the floors of the chariots using a broom with a golden handle, as priests sprinkled flowers and fragrant water. He first offered prayers at Lord Balabhadra's chariot 'Taladhwaj', then Lord Jagannath's 'Nadighosh' and finally Devi Subhadra's 'Darpadalan'. The ritual of a Maharaja sweeping the chariots gives a message that all are equal before the Lord, Bhaskar Mishra, a researcher in the Jagannath cult, told news agency PTI.
 

16:20 PM

Rath Yatra 2023: Shankaracharya of Puri Offers Puja

The Shankaracharya of Puri Swami Nischalananda Saraswati along with his selected disciple visited the chariots and offered puja.
 

15:44 PM

Glimpses From Puri's Rath Yatra

Devotees dressed as Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman take part in the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, in Puri on Tuesday.

 

14:57 PM

Ratha Yatra 2023: Lord Jagannath And His Siblings' Journey On Chariots

Idols of Lord Jagannath and his siblings were placed on their respective chariots on Tuesday, following spectacular ceremonial Pahandi rituals. With chants of Hari Bol and Jay Jagannath, sounds of gongs, conches, and cymbals, the three holy deities -- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were brought by their servitors from the 'Ratna Simhasan' and placed on the chariots for the annual nine-day sojourn.
 

14:42 PM

Rath Yatra 2023: Mamata Banerjee Performs 'Pahind Vidhi' In Kolkata 

Not just in Puri, Odisha, Rath Yatra celebrations in taking place across the country. In West Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee also took part. Check the video below:

 

 

14:36 PM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: No Wastage of Prasadam

There is a proverb that refers to the prasadam that is offered at temples. Depending on a significant event or rite, the temple receives 2000–20,00000 visitors from devotees. However, there is never a scrap of food wasted because the amount of Prasadam prepared at the temple is always sufficient for the worshippers. As a result, the prasadam is neither insufficient nor a waste.

 

14:30 PM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: An Engineering Marvel

Our shadow is constantly with us when we go outside in the sunlight. The architectural skills of our ancestral engineers is something to be praised in the case of the Jagannath Temple. In whichever direction, there is not a single shadow at all cast on this temple.

 

14:26 PM

Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra: Colossal Chakra

The enormous chakra, which towers over 20 feet above the temple, was put in place a very long time ago. According to legend, it can be seen from every angle of the city, and the Chakra appears to be gazing back at it. This is a puzzle in architecture that no one has ever been able to solve.

Two thousand years ago, the gopuram was where the eight-spoke chakra was first shown. The methods for designing that were used at the time are still a mystery today. The Chakra upright, which stands 20 feet tall and weighs a tonne, is the temple's tallest point. Another unresolved enigma is how the wheel was installed after being removed from the top.

14:22 PM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: A Tradition Older Than Many Civilizations

Did you know that the temple's flag is changed every day in Puri? This is no easy task to do. A saint has been changing the flag on the temple's dome, which is around 45 storeys high, on a daily basis as part of a ceremony for 1800 years. The temple must be shut down for the next 18 years if this rite is not performed, not even for a single day.

 

14:15 PM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Mysterious facts about the Puri temple

It has been observed that the flag that is flown over the top of the temple's dome does so in a clockwise motion. This nature-defying fact has no scientific explanation.

 

14:04 PM

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: A ocean of devotees

A mesmerising view of devotees along with Lord Jagannath's Chariot Rath Yatra was seen from a drone and the picture is nothing less than a breathking view!

13:59 PM

Happy Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Wishes, Greetings to share

Jagannath Rath Yatra Wishes, Messages, Quotes Images and Rath Yatra Whatsapp Status

- May Lord Jagannath shower his blessings upon you and guide you on the right path. Happy Rath Yatra!

- On this auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra, may Lord Jagannath’s chariot of love and compassion fill your life with happiness and peace too. Jai Jagannath!

For more auspicious greetings, read- Happy Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Wishes, Greetings, Messages, Images And Rath Yatra Whatsapp Status To Share

13:55 PM

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Politicians seek Lord Jagannath's blessings

Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India joined the Rath Yatra procession and prayed for blessings for all.

13:41 PM

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Rituals Continue In Odisha's Temple Town

The different rituals associated with Rath Yatra is going on in Puri.  While the pahandi started at 9.30 am, and the procession of deities was completed by 12.30 pm, 'Chhera Panhara' (sweeping of chariots by golden broom) will be held between 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm. The chariots will be pulled at 4 PM.

13:01 PM

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: 'Pahandi Bije' Celebrations

In Puri, the Jagannath Temple is celebrating the Chariot festival with full gusto. Check out some pictures below:

12:35 PM

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Leaders Wish Countrymen

As Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath start their nine-day sojourn to their aunt's place at Gundicha Temple in Puri on Tuesday, the president, prime minister, Odisha chief minister, and several other leaders greeted the people on the occasion of the Rath Yatra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik were among others leaders who extended their wishes o the occasion of Rath Yatra. 

12:10 PM

Violence-Torn Manipur Gives Rath Yatra Procession A Miss

Manipur skipped the annual royal Rath Yatra procession because of the ongoing ethnic violence which has claimed more than 100 lives and left thousands of people internally displaced. However, the other rituals associated with the festival will be observed in various temples in a subdued manner. Nabakumar Sharma, a member of the Brahma Sabha, told PTI, "We decided not to hold the annual public royal Rath Yatra (Kang) procession due to the unrest and violence in the state. The last time we skipped the procession was during the Corona period."

11:28 AM

Puri Rath Yatra: Livestreaming Details

The Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is taking place in Puri. Check below the livestreaming details:

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2023 Livestreaming: How, When And Where To Watch Rath Yatra

 

11:09 AM

Rath Yatra 2023: Celebrations Also In Gujarat

In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the morning performed 'Pahind Vidhi', a symbolic ritual of cleaning the way for the chariots using a golden broom, following which the chariots of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra embarked on the yatra from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur area. Before the annual event started, Union Home Minister Amit Shah performed 'mangla aarti' (auspicious ritual to pay obeisance to the deity) in the temple early Tuesday morning.

10:56 AM

Rath Yatra 2023: President Droupadi Murmu Offers Prayers

President Droupadi Murmu, whose birthday it is today, offered prayers at Jagannath Mandir in Hauz Khas, Delhi ahead of lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023.

 

10:40 AM

Puri Rath Yatra: Mysteries Associated With Jagannath Temple

Built in the 12th century, the Jagannath temple is located on the eastern coast of India at Puri, Orissa. The Rath Yatra is celebrated during the Ashad Shukla Dwitya months of June-July. There are several mysteries related to the Lord Jagannath and the Rath Yatra. One is that even though it's close to the sea, once you enter the temple you can't hear the sound. Legend has it that Subhadra wanted the temple to be a serene place and to please her, the temple mutes the sound of crashing waves outside.

10:22 AM

Puri Rath Yatra: Devotees Arrive In Hoardes 

Thousands of devotees have gathered in Puri to witness the Rath Yatra

 

10:11 AM

Happy Rath Yatra 2023: Wishes From Former CM

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wished people on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra.

 

10:08 AM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Huge Crowd Expected Today In Puri

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Ranjan Kumar Das said it is expecting a congregation of around 10 lakh people in Puri on Tuesday when the chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath are pulled till the Shree Gundicha temple. "The state government has made elaborate arrangements keeping in view the hot and humid weather conditions in Puri. Volunteers will sprinkle water on devotees, and a green corridor has also been formed for any health emergency," chief secretary P K Jena said.

09:52 AM

Jagannath Yatra 2023 Live Updates: Two Hundred fifty coconuts installed

Two Hundred fifty coconuts installed in the sand art of lord Jagannath Ratha Yatra; created by sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik at Puri beach ahead of Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023

09:29 AM

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Security Tightened In Temple Town In Odisha 

Thousands of devotees have congregated at this seaside pilgrim town for Lord Jagannath's annual 'Ratha Jatra' on Tuesday for which the Odisha government has made elaborate arrangements, officials said. As many as 180 platoons (1 platoon comprises 30 personnel) of security forces were deployed in Puri, said Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur.

09:15 AM

Rath Yatra 2023: PM Modi Extends His Greetings

PM Narendra Modi took to social media to wish Indians a happy Rath Yatra:

 

09:08 AM

Puri Rath Yatra: Odisha In Celebratory Mode

The temple town in Odisha is seeing scores of celebrations ahead of Rath Yatra 2023:

 

08:46 AM

Puri Rath Yatra 2023: A Work Of Art In Sand

Sand artist Sudarshan Pattanaik made sand art ahead of Puri's Rath Yatra, see below:

 

08:43 AM

Rath Yatra 2023 Commences In Ahmedabad

While Puri's Rath Yatra is world-famous, Gujarat is also known for its chariot festival. The 146th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced on Tuesday morning in Gujarat's Ahmedabad city amid tight security as lakhs of devotees flocked the 18-km route of the procession to catch a glimpse of the deity. The Gujarat Police have for the first time in the Rath Yatra used 3D mapping technology to monitor the entire route and also deployed anti-drone technology to ensure no unauthorised drones are used during the event, as per a senior police official.

08:10 AM

Puri Rath Yatra 2023 Live: Thousands Witnessed Nabajouban Darshan On Monday

Thousands of devotees witnessed the reappearance of sibling deities - Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath on the occasion of 'Nabajouban Darshan' at the Puri Srimandir here on Monday.

07:43 AM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Arrangements For Yatra

"The state government has also made elaborate arrangements keeping in view the hot and humid weather condition in Puri. Volunteers will sprinkle water on the devotees, and a green corridor has also been formed for any health emergency," news agency PTI quoted chief Secretary P K Jena as saying.

07:29 AM

Rath Yatra 2023: Odisha Makes Elaborate Arrangements

As many as 180 platoons (1 platoon comprises 30 personnel) of security forces were deployed in Puri. The town has been divided into different zones and sections for smooth traffic management. A Coast Guard helicopter has also been pressed into service for beach patrolling. Interceptor boats will be stationed at Paradip for any contingency, till July 2.

07:05 AM

Rath Yatra 2023: Significance Of Chariot Pulling

On this auspicious day of Rath Yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra are brought out from Puri's famous Jagannath Temple. They are placed on their chariots, which are then pulled by thick ropes by devotees all across the city. This practice is considered holy and Lord Jagannath is believed to bless devotees with happiness, prosperity, and good health.

06:57 AM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Date and Time

Dwitiya Tithi Started: Monday, 19 June 2023 at 11:25 am.

Dwitiya Tithi Ends: Tuesday, 20 June 2023 at 1:07 pm.

06:57 AM

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: Date and Time

Dwitiya Tithi Started: Monday, 19 June 2023 at 11:25 am.

Dwitiya Tithi Ends: Tuesday, 20 June 2023 at 1:07 pm.