Today, I feel truly privileged to speak on a festival that holds a very special place in the hearts of millions of devotees across India and the world — the Rath Yatra.
The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most grand and spiritually powerful festivals celebrated in India, particularly in the holy city of Puri, Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered a form of Lord Krishna, and is accompanied by his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra.
Let me begin by telling you a little about the history and origin of this sacred celebration.
The tradition of Rath Yatra dates back over 800 years, and some legends suggest it is even older, rooted in the times of ancient kings and saints. The famous Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the Char Dhams, the four sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. It is believed that participating in the Rath Yatra, even as a spectator, brings divine blessings and spiritual merit.
So, what exactly happens during Rath Yatra?
Every year, in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July), the three deities — Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra — come out of their temple and are placed in three gigantic, beautifully decorated wooden chariots. These chariots are specially built every year using sacred wood and traditional craftsmanship. The deities then begin their grand journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is about 3 kilometers away.
This symbolic journey represents Lord Jagannath’s visit to his maternal aunt’s home, and he stays there for about a week before returning to the main temple in a return procession called Bahuda Yatra.
But Rath Yatra is not just about moving idols from one temple to another. It is much more than that. It is a festival that carries deep spiritual significance. It shows us that God does not remain confined inside temples — He steps out to be with His devotees. During Rath Yatra, there is no discrimination. People of all castes, creeds, and backgrounds come together. Even those who may not be allowed inside the temple under normal circumstances can witness and even touch the Lord during this festival.
One of the most iconic moments of Rath Yatra is the pulling of the chariots. Thousands of devotees gather to pull the chariots with thick ropes, chanting and singing devotional songs with great enthusiasm. It is believed that pulling the chariot is an act of great devotion, and those who do so are blessed with peace, prosperity, and salvation.
Friends, there’s also an interesting fact — the English word “Juggernaut”, which means something huge and unstoppable, actually comes from “Jagannath.” The British were amazed by the massive scale of this procession and the unstoppable force with which the chariots moved, often driven by the collective energy of thousands of devotees.
Rath Yatra is also celebrated in many other parts of India and even abroad — including in places like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and even in New York and London, thanks to the efforts of the ISKCON movement.
But beyond all the rituals, colors, music, and celebrations, Rath Yatra teaches us some beautiful life lessons:
- It reminds us that life is a journey, and like the chariot, we must keep moving forward — with faith and determination.
- It teaches us humility, because even the Lord comes out of His temple and meets His people at their level.
- It shows us the power of unity, as people from all backgrounds come together with love and devotion.
- And most importantly, it reminds us that God is not far — He is always near us, walking with us, traveling with us, in every step of our journey.
So, dear friends, let us not just treat Rath Yatra as a festival we observe once a year, but let us absorb its spirit in our daily lives. Let us walk forward with goodness, devotion, and unity in our hearts.
With that, I would like to end my speech.
Thank you all for listening so patiently.
Jai Jagannath!
May the Lord bless you all with peace and happiness.