Rath Yatra (Ahmedabad)

Rath Yatra is a Hindu festival. In Ahmedabad Rath Yatra has been organized by Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad on every Asadh-Sud-Bij since 1878.[1] This annual festival celebrates Jagannath, Balrama and Subhdra.[2]

Decorated Elephants in Rath Yatra, Ahmedabad

It is celebrated as a Lokotsav (public festival) of the state of Gujarat. The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is the third largest Rath Yatra festival after those in Puri and Kolkata that are celebrated on the same day.[2]

Legend

Jagannath came in the dream of Narsimhadas and after that incident, he started to celebrate Rath Yatra in 1878.[3]

Traditions

The Raths (chariots) were made from coconut tree by the devotees of Khalas caste from Bharuch. Chariots are still driven by people from that caste.[4]

Artist performing during Rath Yatra at Ahmedabad in 2011
Artist performing his work during Rath Yatra, Ahmedabad (2011).

Jalayatra

Jalayatra have been carried out on Jayestha Shukla Purnima when Jagannath, Balrama and Subhdra symbolically go to the maternal uncle's home at SaraspurDarshana in temple closed that day.[5] Jalayatra of Jagannath to Sabarmati river come with a procession and perform the Ganga Poojan, returning with vessels of water for the Abhisheka to Jagannath. After performing the Shodashopchar Poojan Vidhi by chanting the vedic mantras, symbolically the Lord is sent to His maternal uncle’s home.[5]

Netrotsav

Before two days prior to Rath Yatra, Netrotsav ritual on idols of is conducted. According to belief, the eyes of the three deities are affected with conjunctivitis, owing to eating of Jambu or Jamun (Indian blackberry) and Baur (plum) in excess at Mosal. Hence, idols are symbolically treated for it during Netrotsav pujan by covering eyes with clothes.[6]

Rath Yatra

Mangla Aarti is performed on the day at 4 am and usually Rath Yatra is carried out at 7 am. Pahind Vidhi ritual is performed by Chief Minister of Gujarat in which symbolic cleaning of the path of Rath Yatra is carried out, after which the chariot procession begins.[7] In Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath's chariot is carried out first, followed by Subhadra and Balram's chariot. Akharas, elephants, decorated trucks and troupes also take part in 14 kilometer long Rath Yatra.[8]

References
  1. "Passage being smoothened for 141st Rath Yatra". The Times of India. TNN. 12 July 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  2. "136th Jagannath rath yatra begins in Ahmedabad amid tight security". India Today. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  3. "રથયાત્રા" [Rathyatra]. www.sadhanaweekly.com (in Gujarati). Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  4. "જાણો અમદાવાદ જગન્નાથજીની રથયાત્રાનો ઈતિહાસ" [Learn the history of Ahmedabad Jagannathji's Rathyatra]. khabarchhe.com (in Gujarati). Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  5. "Jal Yatra – Shree Jagannathji Mandir". Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  6. "Netrotsav puja performed ahead of Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad". DeshGujarat. 23 June 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  7. "Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins in Gujarat".
  8. "Over 25,000 cops, drone cameras to secure Gujarat Rath Yatra on July 4". India Today. Press Trust of India. 29 June 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
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