Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: The Rath Yatra festival continued to captivate the hearts of thousands of devotees on its second day in Puri, as Lord Balabhadra's chariot, 'Taladhwaja', was pulled through the streets amid joyous chanting and prayers.
The annual festival, which began with grand rituals for the deities, saw devotees from all over the country gathering to participate in the centuries-old tradition. The 'Taladhwaja' chariot, dedicated to Lord Balabhadra, was the centre of attention as it moved through the crowd.
The chariot pulling commenced after the revered Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, accompanied by his disciples, visited the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
The 'Taladhwaja' chariot
The 'Taladhwaja' chariot, adorned with intricate designs and colourful decorations, was pulled by a sea of devotees, each eager to offer their prayers and seek blessings. The sight of the massive chariot moving through the crowded streets was a testament to the unwavering faith and dedication of the devotees.
As the chariot moved forward, devotees were seen chanting hymns and singing devotional songs, creating a spiritual atmosphere that resonated throughout the place. The streets are filled with the sound of conch shells and bells, adding to the festive spirit.
Rath Yatra 2024:
The Jagannath Rath Yatra began on Sunday, July 7th, and many devotees around the country were seen participating in this devotional annual ceremony. On Sunday, the President of India, Draupati Murmu, was seen participating in the grand event and was seen performing 'Parikrama', of the chariots. The Rath Yatra is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, marking the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, approximately 2.5 kilometres away. This journey symbolises the annual visit of the deities to their aunt's home and is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion.