Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival

Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival is celebrated in the city of Puri in Orissa state which is a beautiful coastal city situated on the shores of Bay of Bangal. Considered as one of the holiest cities of Hindus, Puri houses the revered temple of lord Jagannath whihc is a pilgrimage site of the Hindu religion.

Jagannath Rath yatra is a procession of Lord Jagannath celebrated in the month of June or July every year and people come from all across India and even overseas to witness this auspicious yatra. Many tourist from round the world come here to get a glimpse of huge chariots and deities who come out of the temple once only for this festival. Three huge chariots made up of special wood are prepared in the shape resembling to the main temple  and pulled by lakhs of devotees to the another temple named Gudicha temple which is considered as home of lord Jagannath’s aunt. Every year lord Jagannath with his sister Subhadra and brother Balram visits his aunt’s place in these three chariots. This festival continues for three days and all the three days devotees pull the chariots containing the idols of all the three deities from main temple to Gudicha temple.This festival gives tourists a chance to understand local traditions, devotion, culture and lot more. It is once in a lifetime experience which should be attained by everyone.
Other than the famous Yatra major attractions to visit near Puri are sun-kissed puri beaches, swarg dwar, and world famous Konark Sun Temple. Konark is also known as black pagoda and is built in the shape of chariot with carvings of erotic scenes. There are sun dials in shape of chariot wheels that tell exact time through their shadows under daylight. Konark temple is dedicated to sun god Surya; it is made up of sandstone which is now getting eroded due to the ocean winds coming from the coast nearby that contain moisture and salts. Other than that it is also an UNESCO world heritage site and thus is being restored as much as possible.
Chilika lake is another major attraction near Puri, it is Asia’s largest brackish water lake tourists can enjoy a day tour in this lagoon in a boat alongwith a guide who will take u to different islands and if lucky u may get a glimpse of local Dolphins and Red Crabs and other flora and fauna. Orissa is paradise for sea food lovers; one can relish varieties of fishes and crabs that too freshly prepared.
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