RATHA YATRA
Ratha Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, is a grand Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Puri, Odisha, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. During the festival, massive chariots carrying the deities are pulled by thousands of devotees from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The event symbolizes Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to his aunt’s home and is believed to bless devotees with divine grace. This centuries-old tradition attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world.
Apart from Puri, Ratha Yatra is also celebrated in cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and across the globe by ISKCON devotees. The festival fosters a spirit of devotion, unity, and inclusivity as people from all backgrounds participate in pulling the chariots. Traditional music, dance, and chants of "Jai Jagannath" fill the air, creating an atmosphere of spiritual ecstasy. The event showcases India’s rich cultural and religious heritage, making it one of the most significant Hindu festivals.
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