MY DIARY#2 - RATHYATRA

RATHYATRA: The History & Tradition

World’s Biggest Chariot Festival

Image uploaded from Bing images ( unknown author)

When we think of Rathyatra, one place immediately comes to mind — PURI, ODISHA— the spiritual heart of the festival. But over the years, this divine celebration has expanded far and wide, reaching states like West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and beyond.

Let’s take a look at where and how Rathyatra is celebrated across India today.

1. Puri, Odisha

The most ancient and grandest Rathyatra takes place in Puri. Three massive wooden chariots carry Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets, pulled by lakhs of devotees in one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

2. Ahmedabad, Gujarat

India’s second-largest Rathyatra begins from the Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur. It is celebrated with great devotion and public participation, including the Chief Minister, saints, and local communities.

3. Kolkata, West Bengal

Organised by ISKCON, Kolkata’s Rathyatra is a major event. The procession travels all the way to Brigade Parade Ground, accompanied by devotional music and spiritual fervour.

4. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Massive Rathyatras are held by ISKCON from Juhu Temple and Mira Road. These processions bring spiritual joy to the city’s busy streets and attract huge crowds.

5. Mayapur, West Bengal

As ISKCON’s global headquarters, Mayapur hosts a grand Rathyatra each year, drawing devotees from all over the world.

6. Hyderabad, Telangana

ISKCON Hyderabad also organises a large-scale Rathyatra annually, contributing to the festival’s growing presence in South India.

7. Bhubaneswar & Cuttack, Odisha

Apart from Puri, cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack also witness vibrant local Rathyatras filled with regional traditions and devotion.

8. Digha, West Bengal

In 2025, Digha witnessed its first-ever Rathyatra with the inauguration of a new Jagannath temple, supported by the state government. Many more interesting facts about this development will be shared in an upcoming post.

Rathyatra is not limited to major cities. Local communities and neighbourhoods also celebrate it with equal devotion — even near my own home, which I’ll write about in a future post.

The History of Jagannath Temple, Puri

The Unfinished Idols — The Vishwakarma Story

King Indradyumna of Malwa dreamt of building a temple for Lord Vishnu. Vishwakarma, appearing as a sculptor, agreed to create the idols under one condition: he must not be disturbed. But the king, impatient, opened the door too early. Vishwakarma vanished, leaving behind unfinished idols — without hands or feet.

This is why the wooden forms of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are so unique and deeply symbolic.

The Brahma Padartha — Krishna’s Heart

After Lord Krishna’s cremation in Dwarka, his heart did not burn. This sacred relic, known as the Brahma Padartha, is believed to reside within Jagannath’s idol. It is secretly transferred to a new idol every 12 to 19 years in a ritual known as Nabakalebara.

The Divine Forms of the Siblings

The idols represent the transformed forms of Krishna (Jagannath), Balram (Balabhadra), and Subhadra.

Jagannath’s black colour symbolizes Krishna

Balabhadra’s white colour stands for strength

Subhadra’s yellow/red tone reflects joy and energy

How Rathyatra Began…

There are many theories about the starting of Rathyatra..

First one, The Chariot Ride by Subhadra

Once, Subhadra visited her brothers Krishna and Balram in Dwarka. She took them out for a ride in a single chariot. This incident is remembered each year by placing the three siblings in their own chariots for the Rathyatra.

Second one, Krishna’s Heart Lives On

Some believe Rathyatra represents the earthly presence of Krishna’s heart, enshrined in the form of Neel Madhav in Puri.

Last but not least, The Visit to Their Aunt’s House

The most popular story says that Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, visits their maternal aunt’s house — the Gundicha Temple — once a year. Locals call it Mausi Bari, and fondly say: “Even God visits his aunt’s house every year — so why shouldn’t we?”

The deities stay there for 7 days, enjoying traditional offerings just like any guest visiting their mother’s home.

Unique Traditions of Puri Rathyatra

No Metal in the Rath Construction

Each chariot is made entirely of wood. No nails, bolts, or metal parts are used. Why? According to Vedic belief, metal blocks divine vibrations. Wooden construction maintains spiritual purity and harmony with nature.

Only an Unmarried Girl Can Climb the Rath

A unique tradition allows only one unmarried girl to climb the chariot for the first aarti or ritual. She symbolizes purity, and it is believed that Lord Jagannath first seeks blessings from the mother form — represented by this girl.

Mahaprasad — The Universal Offering

Image uploaded from Bing images ( unknown author)

The Mahaprasad offered in Puri is shared equally by all, regardless of caste, class, or background. It embodies the true essence of devotion: unity and equality before the divine.

Your Turn Now

Does Rathyatra happen in your town or neighbourhood? How is it celebrated near you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.