Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024

Event Commencement:

• The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 starts on July 7, 2024.
• Begins at 04:26 AM on July 7 and ends at 04:59 AM on July 8.

Presidential Attendance:

• President Droupadi Murmu to attend the Rath Yatra.
• Her visit to Odisha is scheduled from July 6 to 9.

Preparations:

• Final preparations are underway.
• Chariots are constructed anew each year by skilled artisans.
• Nandighosa for Lord Jagannath (largest chariot).
• Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra.
• Darpadalana for Devi Subhadra.

Rituals Leading to the Yatra:

• Snana Yatra: Deities bathed with 108 pots of water.
• Anasara: Deities kept in isolation post Snana Yatra.

On the Day of the Yatra:

• The city of Puri becomes a hub of activity and celebration.
• Deities are brought out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on chariots.
• Procession covers approximately three kilometers to the Gundicha Temple.
• Pulling the chariots is believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation.
• Extensive security measures are in place for safety.