The Jagannath Yatra is considered amongst the most sought after festivals of India's culture. The beautiful procession grabbs the attention of one and all.
The centre of attraction of the Jagannath Rath Yatra are the huge and beautiful Chariots. Akshay Tritiya marks the commencement of the process of preparing the chariots.
The yatra includes 3 major chariots which involve manual power to be pulled ahead. Devotees pull the Chariots with their hands, using ropes. The length of the rope measures upto 50 metres in length. Pullying the Chariot is considered as an act of 'Punya', which is rewarded.
The Chariot of Lord Jagannath ranges to a height of about 45.6 feet and is called 'Nandighosa'. The Chariot is provided with 18 wheels.
While, the chariot which carries Lord Balaram’s is made 45 feet tall, and is provided with 16 wheels. The Chariot of Lord Balaram is called 'Taladhvaja'.
The Chariot that carrties Godess Subahdra is called Devadalana which is provided with about 14 wheels and and it is 44.6 feet in height.
The Chariots are decorated with beautiful paintings and craft, providing them different colours.
The procession commences and proceeds in a sequence, which is Lord Balram's Chariot pulled first, followed by Godess Shubahdra'as Chariot and then is pulled the Chariot of Lord Jagannath.
The procession proceeds from one temple to another situated at a distance of 3 km. Well the distance is short but takes more than an hour due to the grand procession including trumbets drums and much more.
After returning from the temple, the Bahuda Yatra pays a visit to the Mausi Maa Temple. At this temple, the devotees recieve Poda Pitha which is a sweet pancake like dish as 'Prasad'.
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