Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra: People Touch Their Forehead To The Rath During Rath-Making Process. WATCH

Rath Yatra 2024: This year, Rath Yatra will commence on July 7 and conclude on July 16, preparations of which have already begun.

Rath Yatra 2024: Every year, on the second day of the bright lunar fortnight of Ashadha, the coastal town of Puri bustles with joy and enthusiasm as it celebrates the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. This occasion features the ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Devi Subhadra. At the same time, the Gods tour the city to check on their subjects. This year, Rath Yatra will commence on July 7 and conclude on July 16, preparations of which have already begun.

A recent tweet shared by news agency ANI gives us a glimpse of the Rath-making taking place in Puri as people throng to catch a glimpse of this ritual and touch their foreheads on the Rath.

Sharing the post, ANI wrote, "Rath Yatra chariot making underway ahead of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra on July 7."

Take A Look At The Post:

The Three Chariots:

Three new Raths are built every year before the festival begins and are designed in a specific way. They are made of wood and decorated by local artists. You can easily distinguish the difference by size, the number of wheels, and the colour.

Out of the three, Lord Jagannath’s chariot is the biggest one known as Nandighosa. It has 16 massive wheels and is at a height of 44 feet. Covered in red and yellow clothing, the charioteer of this Rath is Daruka, and the rope that pulls the rath is called Sankhachuda.

On the other hand, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is known as Taladhvaja, The chariot has 14 wheels and it is clothed in red and green. The charioteer’s name is Matali, and the rope pulling the rath is Vasuli.

Devi Subhadra’s rath is named Deviratha or Darpadalana and is at a height of 42 feet. It has 12 wheels and features red and black clothes. The charioteer is Arjun, and the rope is called Swarnachuda.

These chariots are pulled manually using 50-metre-long ropes. Lord Balaram’s chariot is pulled first then Goddess Subhadra’s followed by Lord Jagannath’s. People rush to help pull the chariots as they believe that pulling the chariot earns them good deeds and penance for their mistakes.