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The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra commences in Puri on 14 July, Saturday. It is a major Hindu festival that commences on Dwitiya Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Ashada month every year.
This year marks the 141st anniversary of the rath-yatra in Jagannath Temple. Lakhs of devotees of Lord Jagannath have descended on the city of Puri in Odisha for the rath-yatra which will last for a total of nine days.
The grand chariot festival is celebrated every year to commemorate the visit of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings, Balaram and Subhadra to the nearby Gundicha Temple.
The chariot pulling is scheduled to start at 4 pm, according to a report published in Odishatv.in.
Security has been beefed up in Puri to make way for a smooth chariot procession. NSG commandos and 140 platoons of police force have been deployed all along the route where the devotees will pull the chariots. Security arrangements at railway stations and bus stands have also been tightened.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted on the occasion.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi also extended his wishes to people via Twitter,
But what is the Jagannath Yatra and why is it considered so auspicious? Here’s all that you need to know:
What is Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra?
Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual event celebrated in Puri to mark the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra (Lord Jagannath’s elder brother) and Goddess Subhadra ( Lord Jagannath’s sister) from Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple.
Devotees are seen carrying the idols of these Gods in colourful chariots through the city.
Who is Lord Jagannath?
Lord Jagannath is primarily worshiped in the city of Puri and is considered a Lord Vishnu incarnate. He is also followed by the followers of Vaishnavism.
The Jagannath temple is also one of the four Char Dhams – the key pilgrimage sites for followers of Hinduism.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2018: Date and Timing
This year Shri Jagannath Yatra will be celebrated on 14 July starting 4:32 am. The rath-yatra will go on till 00:55 am on 15 July.
According to the DrikPanchang,
Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 04:32 on 14/Jul/2018
Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 00:55 on 15/Jul/2018
Rath Yatra 2018 Celebrations :
The Jagannath Puri rath-yatra is celebrated with great pomp and show in Odisha. It is also celebrated with great fervour in Gujarat and some eastern parts of the country. Some other countries also celebrate the rath-yatra.
Devotees in Odisha relish chappan-bhog (a concoction of 56 types of delicacies for the maha-prasad) on this occasion and prepare various delicacies to honour Lord Jagannath.
Where Can I Watch the Jagannath Yatra LIVE?
Jagannath Rath Yatra will be live streamed on Doordarshan National (DD1), DD Odia and Odisha TV (OTV). Other regional channels are also expected to live stream the procession.
(With inputs from Odishatv.in, Financial Express and NDTV)
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