rath yatra

Jagannath devotees express anger and disappointment as ISKCON's Bhaktivedanta Manor in the UK held Snana Yatra on May 10, allegedly disregarding objections from Puri's Shree Jagannath Temple and adhering to a non-traditional timing. This deviation from the sacred calendar has sparked calls for ISKCON leadership to clarify, apologize, and commit to observing future festivals according to Puri's established traditions.

Shree Jagannath Society, Japan, celebrated Chandan Yatra in Tokyo for the third consecutive year, drawing 280 devotees. The event featured 'Vishnu Sahastranam' and 'Chandan Seva' for the deities. Children from the Odia diaspora chanted mantras on 'mantramaya jeevana', promoting spiritual values and cultural harmony.

To prevent crowd management issues and ensure safety, the government has directed Puri district administration to significantly reduce cordon passes for the upcoming rath yatra. This measure aims to avoid incidents like last year's stampede, which resulted in fatalities. Access will be strictly limited to essential personnel for the ceremony's conduct.

A rationalist group presented a novel argument in the Supreme Court. They stated Article 25 of the Constitution permits individuals to change their religious affiliation throughout the day. This interpretation sparked debate among the judges. The court considered the implications of such freedom on religious practices and traditions. The discussion highlighted the balance between individual conscience and established religious customs.

The Baladevjew Temple endowment trust has procured 1,200 cubic feet of sal wood for constructing the state's second-tallest wooden chariot, standing at 64 feet. This year, all 14 wheels will be newly crafted due to previous issues with old timber.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced the revival of Rajasthan's Jal Jeevan Mission with ₹4,800 crore approved to restart stalled projects. He warned against corruption, promising strict action, and assured uninterrupted water supply during summer. Shekhawat also addressed electrification issues, pledging to connect all remaining households within 1,000 days.

Shree Jagannatha Seva Germany organized Akshay Tritiya and Ratha Anukula at the Jagannath Temple in Munich, marking the commencement of chariot construction for the July 16 rath yatra. Around 200 Indian residents attended the event, which featured traditional rituals and the distribution of prasad, including chhenapoda and mahura.

A 31-year-old man, Pratik Mishra, was re-arrested for issuing fresh threats to bomb the Jagannath Temple and Shankaracharya’s mutt in Puri during the rath yatra. Previously bailed for similar threats, Mishra, a habitual offender with 16 criminal cases, allegedly extorted money using fake social media profiles.

Construction of the sacred wooden chariots for the annual rath yatra in Puri commenced on Akshaya Tritiya, with sacred logs ceremonially placed at the Ratha Khala. The auspicious day also marked the beginning of the 42-day Chandan Yatra, observed in two phases. Puri police have announced a strict ban on fireworks during the festival following a tragic incident.

The phasi timber with a minimum of 6 ft girth, is generally used for construction of the wheels of the chariots.

East Coast Railway is accelerating preparations for the upcoming rath yatra in Puri, with General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal inspecting the Khurda Road-Puri section and reviewing station redevelopment. All ongoing works at Puri railway station will be completed before the festival to manage the massive influx of devotees, ensuring safe and comfortable movement.

To prevent stampedes, the government will limit crowds on Puri's Grand Road and control devotee inflow during the rath yatra on July 16. A committee is assessing capacity, with plans to relocate food stalls and restrict performances near chariots. Volunteer numbers will also be capped and their roles defined.

The Odisha government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for a new wooden chariot for Lord Baladevjew's rath yatra in Kendrapada. This new chariot, requiring 3,550 cubic feet of sal wood, will feature 14 wheels, replacing the old one that experienced wheel damage last year. The Baladevjew temple itself dates back to 1761.

A symbolic rath yatra was organised in the Lord Jagannath temple premises on Tuesday after the Gujarat High Court rejected the state government's plea to carry out public procession. For the first time in 143 years, this world-renowned event was held without the accompaniment of troupes, tableaux and public participation in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Supreme Court Thursday stayed this year's historic Puri rath yatra starting from June 23 and related activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The SC bench said that in the interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year's rath yatra at Puri in Odisha can't be allowed. The CJI said Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow this year's rath yatra to go on.

The Anti-terrorists squad (ATS) will also be a part of the rath yatra security. The Ahmedabad police to ensure that no untoward incident is reported during the 145th rath yatra which will be taken out in the city on July 1 will have drones and body-worn cameras also as a part of the security.

One of the servitors of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, tested positive for COVID-19 during mandatory testing of priests and police personnel ahead of the annual rath yatra on Tuesday, a senior official said. The servitor will not be part of any ritual related to the rath yatra. Samples of 1,143 servitors were tested on Monday night, as per directives of the Supreme Court.

Perhaps one of the biggest processions of the Hidu culture, Jagannath rath yatra is one of the most awaited events in the state of Orissa. It also has a nationwide appeal as millions of devotees observe this 10-day procession.

Jagannath rath yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and his sister Goddess Subhadra.