About Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most ancient and significant festivals celebrated in honor of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. This grand festival commemorates Lord Jagannath's journey to His birthplace, Gundicha Temple, along with His siblings. The festival symbolizes Krishna's return to Vrindavan and His reunion with the residents who longed for His presence.
During this auspicious festival, the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are taken out of the temple and placed on three magnificently decorated chariots. These chariots are then pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees, who consider it a great fortune to participate in this divine service.
The Ratha Yatra festival is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur across the world. The procession is accompanied by the enthusiastic chanting of the Holy Names, melodious kirtan, traditional musical instruments, and the distribution of sanctified food (prasadam). This festival offers a unique opportunity for everyone, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, to serve the Lord and receive His blessings.
Srila Prabhupada on Rath Yatra
"This Ratha-yatra festival is very old—at least 5,000 years old—and it is still going on. In India all Hindus, they join the Ratha-yatra festival. Just like in your Western countries the Christmas is observed by everyone, similarly Ratha-yatra festival is observed by all Hindus. They join the procession and go to the temple, and there is distribution of prasadam. It is very gorgeous festival."
- Srila Prabhupada (Ratha-yatra Lecture, London, July 8, 1974)