Rath Yatra: 15 fascinating facts about the grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in Puri

It is believed that during this auspicious period, Lord Jagannath comes out of his sanctum sanctorum to bless his devotees by journeying through the streets of Puri in his majestic chariot, accompanied by his siblings Balabhadra (Balaram) and Subhadra.

Rath Yatra: A Divine Procession of Unity and Devotion

Unlike the popular misconception that Rath Yatra is a one-day event, it spans 11 days, beginning on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha (June–July). The festival culminates with Niladri Vijaya, the day the deities return to the sanctum.

During this time, devotees from across the world flock to Puri to pull the three grand chariots—a ritual believed to grant divine blessings. The Jagannath Temple, which is otherwise restricted to non-Hindus, becomes inclusive, allowing all devotees to participate regardless of caste or creed.

15 Lesser-Known and Fascinating Facts About Rath Yatra and the Jagannath Temple

1. Names and Features of the Chariots:

Each deity has a unique chariot:

Jagannath’s chariot is called Nandaghosh, stands 44 feet tall, has 18 wheels, and is adorned in red and yellow.

Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhvaja, is 43 feet tall with 14 wheels, painted red and green.

Subhadra’s chariot, Devadalana, is 12-wheeled and colored black and red.

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2. New Chariots Every Year:

Over 1,400 skilled carpenters volunteer each year to build new chariots using specially selected wood from forests in Daspalla and Ranapur.

3. Horse Names and Colors:

Jagannath’s chariot is pulled by four white horses—Shankha, Balakha, Shweta, and Haridashwa.

Balabhadra’s chariot has four black horses—Tribra, Ghoda, Dirghasharma, and Swarnanabha.

Subhadra’s chariot is drawn by four red horses—Rachika, Machika, Jita, and Aparajita.

4. Sacred Flags and Ropes:

Each chariot has a distinct flag and rope:

Jagannath’s flag is Trailokyamohini, rope is Sankhachuda Nagini.

Balabhadra’s flag is Unnani, rope is Basuki Naga.

Subhadra’s flag is Nadambika, rope is Swarnachuda Nagini.

5. Divine Resistance:

Devotees believe Lord Jagannath’s chariot won’t move by pulling alone. It begins to move only when at least 100 people push it from behind.

6. Exclusive Tradition for Women:

Only women are allowed to pull Subhadra’s chariot, signifying feminine devotion.

7. The Royal Broom Tradition:

The ceremonial route is cleaned with a golden broom, a tradition left behind by the King of Puri.

8. Construction Begins on Akshaya Tritiya:

The building of the chariots begins from Akshaya Tritiya, a highly auspicious day.

9. Temple Closure Before Yatra:

A week before Rath Yatra, the temple doors close as it is believed Lord Jagannath suffers from a divine fever and rests.

10. The Mysterious Temple Flag:

The flag atop the temple defies physics, always flowing opposite to the wind’s direction. Also, the temple casts no shadow at any time of the day.

11. Daily Flag Ritual:

Priests climb the temple dome—as high as 45 storeys—daily to change the flag. It is said if this ritual is missed even once, the temple will remain closed for 18 years.

12. The Sudarshan Chakra Enigma:

The one-tonne chakra atop the temple was mounted by a human pyramid. It appears to face the observer from every angle, a phenomenon still unexplained.

13. The Rain Connection:

Historical records suggest heavy rains occur without fail every year on the day of Rath Yatra.

14. Return Journey and Pora Pithe Offering:

After nine days at Gundicha Temple, the deities return. Lord Jagannath is offered Puri’s iconic sweet ‘pora pithe’ during the return journey.

15. Origin of the Word “Juggernaut”:

The English word “juggernaut”, meaning an unstoppable force, was inspired by the massive chariot of Lord Jagannath observed by the British.