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.