The word “Ratha” stands for “chariot” and “Yatra” signifies “journey”. Literally taken, Ratha Yatra means “chariot-ride”. A major Hindu festival, Ratha Yatra is annually observed all over India. The festival, however, originated in Jagannath Puri on the eastern coast of the state of Orissa, India. Rathyatra is still celebrated here during the months of June or July (Rainy Season). The festival is associated with Lord Jagannath or Lord Krishna and commemorates his annual journey to his aunt’s residence along with his brother and sister.
The name Jagannath comes from the conjugation of two Sanskrit words – jagat (world) and natha (master). Hence, the word “Jagannath” means master (natha) of the world (jagat) and refers to Lord Krishna, who is held to be the Supreme God and creator of the Universe.
During the festival, the idols are taken through the streets of Puri on beautifully decorated wooden chariots resembling temple structures, so that everyone can have the fortune of seeing them. The journey ends at the Gundicha mandir where the idols of the deities are dismounted from the chariots and taken inside. After a week, the deities are returned back on chariots to their original abode, the Jagannath temple.
