"Puri Rath Yatra" - Essay Article

1. The Iconic Puri Rath Yatra Festival

Rath Yatra is an iconic festival of Puri, Orissa (Odisha). Every year hundreds of thousands of devotees visit Jagannathdham (the abode of Lord Jagannath) to witness this spectacle and gain piety. It is believed that, whoever is present physically in the holy city and gains a darshan (viewing) of the Lord is blessed for life.

2. Pilgrims Arriving for the Rath Yatra

Pilgrims arriving for the Rath Yatra. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

People come from far and wide to witness the grand spectacle of the Puri Rath Yatra festival. Most of them trudge miles to reach the destination carrying bags on their heads. Small groups, comprising young couples, senior citizens and children, take turns in helping each other throughout this arduous journey. They reach the day before the festival starts.

3. Pilgrims Asleep on the Beach

Pilgrims sleeping on the beach. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

Not everyone has the means to pay for lodging. Hence, the beach becomes their shelter. Groups of families, stake claim on the beach, demarcating their territory with bags and set up a temporary household.

4. Local Fishermen Supply Fish

Pilgrims buying fish from local fisherman. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

The pilgrims buy fish from the local fishermen, get them fried at the local stalls, cook rice on small ovens and arrange their meals. Some thrive only on fruits and water.

5. Pilgrims on the Beach in Puri

Pilgrims on the beach at Puri. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

The pilgrims bathe and clean themselves on the beach, while the women try their best to gain some privacy from the prying eyes. The beach is a medley of colors and activities, during the Rath Yatra festival.

6. Sadhus on the Beach in Puri

Sadhus on the beach in Puri. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

Big clusters of sadhus (Hindu holy men) belonging to various sects and religious orders also make the beach their haven. They spend the day singing, chanting, giving sermons to people and meditating.

The devotees spend the night on the beach, rise early the next morning and start walking towards to the temple. They follow the chariots' journey to Gundicha temple.

7. Devotees Get Their Heads Shaved

Head shaving of devotees. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

Every devotee carries with them an unique offering for the Lord.

Sacrifice, since times immemorial, has been an important offering to appease the God. It can be in any form. Many offer their hair to the deity. Families huddling together and awaiting turns to get their heads shaved, irrespective of age and gender, is an unique sight in Puri.

8. Dry Food to be Offered to the Lord

Offerings to the Lord. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen. 

The usual offering is in the form of bhog (enjoyment/delight) to the Lord, which can be in kind or in money. Sukha (happiness) or dry food is what the devotee usually offers.

9. Devotional Offerings to the Lord

Puri Rath Yatra offerings to the Lord. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

Walking miles, instead of taking the train or the bus, is deemed another kind of offering to the Lord.

Some devotees do the "dondi" walk, wherein they lie prostrate on the ground and drag their body all the way. Greater the scars and bruises on their body, higher are the chances of acquiring divine blessing. Such is the belief of the masses.

10. Devotees Entertaining the Lord

Entertaining the Lord is a popular offering.

Dance troupes arrive from various parts of India and perform in front of the chariots. 

11. Theatrical Performances

Theatrical performances to entertain the Lord. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

Many devotees come in groups, wherein each member displays his skill as an offering to the Lord. They beat drums, play the flute, sing devotional songs and dance all the way from the main temple to Gundicha temple, following the Lord and his siblings.

Local art and theater groups enact popular scenes from the mythological tales, thus, keeping the Lord entertained during his journey.

12. Sand Sculpture on the Beach

Sand sculpture on the beach. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

Artists and students of art colleges carve out gods and goddesses from the sand on the beach, out of devotion to the Lord.

13. Organizations Provide Care to Devotees

Organizations providing care to devotees. Photo Credit: Image: Sreemati Sen.

Many organizations and local bodies offer free meals to the devotees, distribute packets of drinking water, sprinkle water on the parched tourists, sponsor ambulances and provide first aid.

They say, this is their offering to the Lord.

By taking care of the devotees, they are doing a good deed and gaining the Lords blessings. 

14. Puri Rath Yatra Chariots

2013 recorded a rush of one million devotees from various parts of world. In 2014, the number was roughly the same.

Devotees across the world believe that touching the ropes that pull the ratha (chariot) and gaining a darshan (viewing) of the Lord atop the chariot, washes away all sins and facilitates the soul to transcend.

Such is the belief that devotees irrespective of age get into the jostling crowd to touch the holy rope, get a few strands of it, risking their lives.

The belief and faith in the Lord has been continuing for years and shows no signs of waning.  

Credits: About