Invaluable Suggstions |
Travellers Factoid |
Tours
A
mammoth Chariot pulling by countless people in midst of numerous Hindu
devotees, a picture that can be remain frozen in the memory, is all about
one of the biggest Hindu festival is being celebrated all over India. The
Rath Yatra(Chariot Journey) is being spectacular and a mirthful event in
Orissa where it is celebrated in the temple town of
Puri with much gaudery and glory. Thousands
of devotees participate in the processions of chariot, which travel lord
Jagannath, lord Balaram and goddess
Subhadra to the nearby Gundicha temple, believed to be the birthplace of
lord Jagannath. The deities return back to Sri Mandira after a stay of seven
days. The procession of coming back is known as Ulta Rath Yatra (Reverse
Chariot Journey).
The festival is celebrated in the end of June and beginning of July. The
Puri Rath Yatra is a holy festival and just a glimpse of deities sitting in
the chariot midst of maddening crowd is regarded lucky. Pulling rope or mere
touch of rope is being considered auspicious. The three magnificent chariots
waiting outside the Sri Mandira temple, a rhythmic prayer chants mutter as
the deities are brought to the chariots. The walloping chariots beautifully
decorated are also a big attractions for tourists. The three chariots carry
different deities also differ in size and wheel. Nandighosh- Lord Jagannath’s
chariot is about 45 feet in height with 16 massive wheels and a gold dome on
top. Other two chariots are much smaller and less grandiose. Decorated with
tinsel and ancient accessories, each of chariots has a large platform
covered with huge flower umbrellas. Four wooden horses and charioteers stand
mounted.
During the festive days, all the daily activities in the town comes to
stand still. The temple kitchen, the largest in the world, serves whooping
75 quintals of rice everyday and a variety of dishes are served to the gods
and later served to the devotees, this is known as Mahaprasad, holds great
significance in Puri. Rath yatra is a festival , which beckons overland
travelers across the world. The enthusiasm and ambiance is magical and must
be once experienced. It is one of the few festivals, which is so huge and
enthralling.
Invaluable Suggestions
Puri Rath Yatra festival is very popular and people comes from far places
to witness the event. Therefore, you have to book your tour early. Finding
hotel accommodation is also a big problem. It is advisable to contact a good
travel agent for leaving your headache to them.
Beware
of touts and fake travel agents. Orissa is famous tourist place and you will
find many of them.
Puri Rath Yatra is a holy journey. So, maintain the discipline and pace
with the crowd.
Take care of your belongings. In a million sum crowd, ample scope to lost
your valuable asset such as camera and other stuffs.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the place.
Taste the royal Mahaprasad with much devotion.
Puri restaurants is famous for delicious cuisines.
Puri is not only for temples but also for golden beaches. Pack your
swimsuits with you.
By Air : Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar that is 56 km
away from Puri. Almost all the major domestic airlines are connected to the
airport.
By Train : Puri railway station is a major station
almost connected with all the major cities of India. there are local
transport system available to take you to the temple.
By Road : A complete road network of roads leads to Puri
and other popular destinations like Bhubaneswar, Konark. You can take luxury
buses from Kolkata or nearby states.
