Rathayatra Festival ( Puri, Orissa) India

Rathayatra The world famous Rathayatra of Lord Jagannath is also known as Yatra and Ghosha Yatra. These festivals are held on "ASHADHASUKLADWITIYA" ie..the second day of the bright fortnight of ashadha (June-July) every year. This Rathayatra symbolises that after a long time of the separation Lord Shri Krishna is going to Kuruksetra from Dwaraka to meet the inhabitants of Brindavan. Three different sizes of chariots are made for this Rathayatra which begins from the Lord Jagannath Temple. The Chariot of the Lord Jagannath is called NANDIGHOSH, the Chariot of Balabhadra is called TALADVAJA, the Chariot of Lady Subhadra is called PADMADHVAJA. Except the vessels of Kalasa, which are on top of the chariots, the side Deities, the Charioteers and Horses, the rest of the whole chariots are made new every year in accordance to the strict ancient specifications. Nearly around one thousands of Devotees are needed to pull these chariots with the help of four ropes which are tied to each chariot and has no steering system on it.