Jagannath rath yatra 2025: Jagannath Rath Yatra has special religious significance in Hinduism. Every year this grand Rath Yatra is taken out in Puri, Odisha on the day of Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya Tithi. This year, Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is starting from Friday, 27 June. In this journey, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra rode on the chariots and go on a tour of the city. Lakhs of devotees come to Puri on this auspicious occasion and get the privilege of pulling the chariots. It is believed that all sins of life are destroyed by joining this journey and pulling the chariot.
Many unique customs associated with this journey have been going on for centuries, out of which cleaning the road with gold broom is one of the most special customs. This ritual is called ‘Chhera Pahar’. The paths through which the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings pass through are cleaned with gold broom. By doing this, devotees express gratitude and devotion to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.
Why is there cleaning with gold broom?
According to mythological belief, gold is a sacred metal, which has a special place in the worship of deities. Before the journey starts, the path of the three chariots is cleaned with a gold broom and at the same time Vedic mantras are pronounced. This is not only a symbol of spiritual purity, but it also shows a sense that nothing should be less in the reception of God. This tradition increases the flow of positive energy. This broom only runs at the hands of the descendants of the kings. According to religious beliefs, the purpose of clearing the way with gold broom is to make the path of God pure and pure.
Why is the chariot journey taken out?
According to the legend, once Goddess Subhadra had a desire to see the city of Puri. Then Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra sat on the chariot and went out to visit the city and stayed for a few days in the temple of their aunt Gundicha on the way. Since then, Rath Yatra is taken out every year in memory of this incident. The three chariots go to Gundicha temple and rest there for seven days. Devotees come from far and wide to attend this Rath Yatra to be held every year.