In the city of Deesa, preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. Devotees and organisers are filled with excitement, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city. Various committees have been working hard for many days to make the Yatra grand and divine. The decoration of the chariot is in its final stages, and efforts are being made to adorn it attractively. Volunteers are arranging the route, providing water and distributing prasad to ensure everything runs smoothly.
With the expectation of large crowds on the day of the Rath Yatra, security measures are being tightened. The police are setting up arrangements along the route to manage the influx of devotees. Additionally, bhajan groups and akhadas are preparing to join in the Yatra, which will enhance the spiritual atmosphere even further. The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Deesa is a symbol of faith and devotion for the people of the city. This year as well, everyone is committed to celebrating this historic event in a magnificent manner.
The Rath Yatra is scheduled to take place on June 27, 2025. It is celebrated every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. Participating in this Yatra is believed to bring immense blessings, as it is said to remove all difficulties, ailments, and troubles for those who pull the chariot. Some devotees often wonder what happens to the chariot after the Yatra concludes.
The chariots for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are specially made for the Yatra. Each chariot has its unique name and design. Lord Jagannath’s chariot is called ‘Nandi Ghosh’ or ‘Garuda Dhwaj’, Balabhadra’s chariot is known as ‘Tal Dhwaj’, and Subhadra’s chariot is referred to as ‘Darpadalana Padma’. The height and number of wheels vary across these chariots. Notably, Lord Jagannath’s chariot has 16 wheels, Balabhadra’s has 14, and Subhadra’s has 12, making a total of 42 wheels that are robustly built.
After the Yatra, parts of the chariot are auctioned off, providing devotees an opportunity to take a piece of the divine home. Interested devotees can apply to purchase sacred parts of the chariot, with the starting price of the wheels being around ₹50,000. The temple ensures that these parts are not misused. After the Yatra, any leftover wood from the chariot is often used in the temple kitchen to prepare maha-prasad, the sacred food offered to the deities. The wood used in making the chariot is seen as particularly special as it is used to create blessings for devotees, making it a part of their spiritual journey.
As the day approaches, the community’s enthusiasm grows. The Yatra not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat but also strengthens the bonds among the people. Everyone looks forward to the joy and devotion that the Rath Yatra brings, making it a significant event in the lives of many in Deesa. The atmosphere is filled with prayers, music, and the spirit of togetherness as everyone prepares to welcome Lord Jagannath in his chariot, ensuring that this year’s celebration is truly memorable.
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