Significance of Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra is big event and festival celebrated at Puri in the state of Orissa, India. The festival is related with the Lord Jagannath. It celebrates the occasion of the journey of three siblings namely Lord Jagannath, lord Balaram and Subhdra to their aunt’s temple, Gudicha temple for nine days after then the return journey of the deities to the main temple is known as the 'Bahuda Yatra'.

  To commemorate the incidence people organize the Rath Yatra event in which three large beautifully decorated chariots resembling three temples are drawn by the huge number of devotees. The chariot / Ratha of Lord Jagannath known as 'Nandighosha', chariot of Goddess Subhadra named Darpadalana and the Ratha of Lord Balabhadra named Taladhwaja Rath Yatra is organized in the months of June- July at the temple of lord Jagannath in Puri.

Image courtesy: flickr

The festival of Rath Yatra draws thousands of devotees from all parts of the India and even from abroad to witness the majestic event of Raths (chariots) being drawn by thousands of devotees.  Devotees come here with their holy wish of pulling the chariots as the act is supposed to be pious one. The procession starts from the Jagannath temple with drums, trumpets, tambourines etc. These 40 to 50 feet high chariots pulled by thousands of devotes is a really magnificent view witnessed by the millions of people gathered there on the occasion.


Three chariots pulled in the procession are built a new every year. These chariots are made of woods of particular trees like Dhausa, Phassi etc. The event of Rath Yatra is so huge that some Indian and foreign T V channels are lured to telecast the event. However witnessing the holy Rath Yatra in person gives you the divine satisfaction which is difficult to find elsewhere.

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The great Sanchi Stupa is the oldest stone structure of India. It is a part of the large complex of Buddhist structures mostly Stupas located at a small village called Sanchi. Sanchi lies just about 50 km north east of Bhopal city, the capital place of Madhya Pradesh state. This world famous religious and equally historic place has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Built by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, Sanchi Stupa still stands there intact presenting us the great Buddhist architectural style of ancient India. Along with this great Stupa no 1, Sanchi hosts many other Buddhist Stupas and structures with much historic and religious significance.

Home to the great Stupa and other Buddhist structures, Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh is major tourist and pilgrimage spot in India. Sanchi witnesses thousands of tourists and devotees visiting the place throughout the year.  The Sanchi Stupa was built over the relics of Lord Buddha. The place also housed a pillar edict of Ashoka. The top part of the pillar, which featured four lions, has been placed in a museum of Department of Archeology.  Sanchi Stupa was just hemispherical brick structures containing the relics of Lord Buddha. Addition of the new Stupas, carvings, architectural works continued for next few hundred years under several dynasties.

The state of Madhya Pradesh takes pride in having the place like Sanchi which owing to its several Buddhist Stupas (mainly the great Stupa no1) has earned itself the status of a world heritage site from UNESCO. The great Stupa is the key attraction of Sanchi.  Paved way around the great Stupa has turned into a smooth one due to the visit of number devotees over the years. The Stupa is also known for its four exquisitely carved gateways. These four gateways are located in four directions around the Stupa. The gateways are mainly known for their rich carvings which depict several incidences from the life of Lord Buddha.

  India, the land of different cultures and religions, hosts Sindhu Darshan Festival every year at Leh of Ladakh district in Jammu and  Kashmir state. The festival is organized on the banks of the river Sindhu in the month of June. The three day long festival is an event to showcase the different cultures of India coming together and thus displaying India’s unity in its diversity. The festival is held on the banks of Sindhu River also known as river Indus which is presented at the occasion as a symbol of communal harmony among people of different religion and cultures.

Ever since the inception of Sindhu Darshan Festival way back in 1997, the festival has gained worldwide popularity with thousands of tourists from different parts of the world attending it every year.  Celebration of the Sindhu Darshan Festival is an indeed proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir state. It serves to be an occasion when people belonging to different religion, cultures and different parts of India are seen showcasing their folk arts, dance, music and thereby displaying multi dimensional cultures of the country. On the occasion of the festival people bring water from different rivers of their regions in earthen pots and pours it into Indus River thus symbolizing the multi cultures of India merging together at one place. Delhi serves to be the main airbase to land at for the visitors coming from other countries. Leh, the place of Sindhu Darshan Festival, is easily accessible from Delhi.

First day of the festival sees wide reception ceremony for the thousands of the tourists come from across the world. The reception ceremony is arranged by the joint association of different religious groups. About fifty lamas are seen performing the prayer as part of ritual on the bank of the river. Then many people and artists from different parts of the country take part in the several cultural activities. Sight- seeing tour is also organized for the visitors on the occasion.

There are many fair and festival celebrated in Bikaner which shows ancient tradition and culture. Bikaner city located in the northwest of the Rajasthan state, India. Bikaner celebrates some of the traditional Rajasthani festivals such as Gangaur, Kartik Poornima and Paryushan. However the city attracts people for its Camel Festival every year.

                                                      Camel festival:
Camel festival is held in the month of January for three days. The celebrations include acrobat show, puppet show, camel race and dance shows. Camel dance show is the main attraction. Trained camels dance to the tune of music. One would get an opportunity to watch the ballad singers, and folk dancers performing on the stage.



                                                      Gangaur :

Gangaur is a festival of Gauri –the consort of Shiva. The festival is one of the popular festivals of Rajasthan. It falls in March or April. Women of the region (married and unmarried) do Puja to Gauri Devi.





                                                      Karni Mata Fair :
The fair is celebrated twice a year in the small town Deshnok in honour of Goddess Karni Mata.This fair held during the months of March-April and again second time in September-October in Karni Mata Temple which is famous in Rajasthan.





Rammat is a part of Holi (festival of colors) festivities that is celebrated uniquely in Bikaner. People spray colors on each other reminding us of s carnival.  Special dramas would be performed based on some of their legends, Dhola Marvaani for instance.

Vata Pournima is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Maharashtra state. It is the women’s festival which comes in the month of June (the month of Jyeshta according to Hindu lunar calendar) on a full moon day. The festival takes its origin from the story of the devoted wife named Savitri which is why the festival is also known as ‘Vata Savitri Pournima’. Savitri –a devoted wife follows her husband (Satyavan) even after his death and gets back his life from the clutches of the death deity (Yama). So it is said that by performing that ritualistic ‘Vrita’ the women would be wishing for their husbands’ long life.

The day would be celebrated by the married women especially. They celebrate it for the good health of their husbands. This festival is most popular in Maharashtra state. The women keep fast on the previous day and visit a nearby banyan tree (Vata tree) in groups. All those who are gathered there around the banyan tree would wrap a cotton thread around the tree and then do the ‘parikrama’ (circumambulation) for seven times. The women recite the story of Satyavan and Savitri and do puja to the banyan tree. The story is this:  Satyavan and Savitri were newlywed couple and they were told that Satyavan would be dying soon. Savitri decides to get back Satyavan’s life. Yama, the deity of death tries to dissuade her from following the dead husband. But, Savitri refuses to listen. Yama sanctions three boons to her. He grants her a son in the last boon. Savitri, then, demands her husband back since without him she could not have had a son. Pleased with her devotion Yama grants her Satyavan’s life back. She is known as ‘Sati Savitri’ in India.

Perched on the banks of Panchganga River, Kolhapur is known for its rich culture and tradition.  It is a historic city located in southern part of Maharashtra state. Famous for Mahalaxmi Temple and several other places of interest, the city of Kolhapur draws number of devotees and tourists alike from all over the country.

                                                      Mahalaxmi Temple:
It is an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Mahalaxmi which is considered to be the goddess of prosperity.  The goddess is locally known as Devi Amba Bai. Built in the 7th century during the reign of King Karandev of Chalukya kingdom, the temple of Mahalaxmi in Kolhapur has been under patronage of several dynasties. The temple serves to be a perfect specimen of beautiful Hemadpanthi style of architecture. Mahalaxmi Temple happens to be a major pilgrimage spot in Maharashtra and therefore it witnesses thousands of devotees thronging there from different parts of the state and country as well. The temple’s walls bear the beautiful carving and sculptures. The idol of the goddess in the temple is in monolithic structure and is adorned with precious stones and diamonds.

                                                      Maharaja Palace:

It is another major attraction of Kolhapur in Maharashtra state. Built in the year 1881, Maharaja Palace presents an imposing look to the beholders. The structure of the palace is a beautiful blend of the Indo-European architectural styles.  The palace is designed by famous British architect Charles Mant. The palace also contains a museum which has a fine collection of Maharaja’s cloths, hunting photos, memorabilia and other artifacts. The palace and the museum present us the insights royal life style and culture of those days.

                                                      Rankala Lake:

Rankala Lake is yet another place of attraction in the city of Kolhapur. Situated amidst the beautiful surroundings, Rankala Lake serves to be a perfect place to spend evenings and weekends. The place is popular as picnic spot among the locals and the visitors coming from all over Maharashtra and other parts of the country.


Irwin Agricultural Museum, Bhavani Mandap, Jyotiba temple and Radhanagari Dam are other places of interest located in and round Kolhapur.

Perched in the famous Thar Desert, the city of Jaisalmer is known for its rich historic and cultural legacy. Famous for several places of historic monuments and structures, Jaisalmer is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state of Rajasthan.

                                      Jaisalmer Fort:

Image credit: flickr

It is an imposing historic fort built by a famous Rajput king Jaisal during the 11th century. The fort is located beautifully in Trikuta Hill near Jaisalmer. Also known as Sonar Kila and it's a second oldest fort in Rajasthan. Jaisalmer Fort has witnessed several battles. The fortress once served as a main protective cover for the Rajput Kings from the invasion of foreign invaders. This striking structure of medieval era is completely built in sandstone. Jain temple, Royal Palace and Laxminathji temple form the interior of this majestic fort. 

                                    Raj Mahal:

It is Jaisalmer Palace popularly known as Raj Mahal which once was the residing place of the members of the royal family of Jaisalmer. Built in the year 1500 AD, Raj Mahal presents an exquisite style of architecture of that era. Placed in the majestic Jaisalmer fort, Raj Mahal Palace is a seven storied structure and is famous for its beautiful lattice works.

                                    Gadi Sagar Lake:

Gadi Sagar Lake in Jaisalmer ,Rajasthan is a much frequented place in Jaisalmer.It  was constructed in the year 1156, the work of this artificial lake was originally started under rule of king Jaisal. But it was completed during reign of Maharaja Garsi Singh. It is beautifully situated amid the picturesque surrounding.  The water reservoir has a massive sandstone entrance. A grand temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is situated near the entrance gate.

                                     Potwon-ki-Haveli :

It is famous place in Jaisalmer.Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan is perfect embodiment of finest architecture. It is divided into six apartment and the whole building is made yellow sandstone, the main gateway of the Patwon Ji ki Haveli is in brown color.
 

 Khajuraho Dance Festival is one of the most acclaimed events in the travel itinerary of India. It is held annually at Khajuraho, one of the most magnificent tourist destinations of India. The festival is organized at two of the most popular temples of Khajuraho – The Chitragupta and the Vishwanath Temple. The festival is a charming event attended by Indian as well as other tourists from world over. Khajuraho Dance Festival has become a cultural showcase event where the wonderful culture of Indian dances like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Mohniattam and Manipuri is displayed with the glorious backdrop of India’s heritage temples. Many renowned and promising young classical dancers from across the country spellbind the audience with their brilliant performances.
 Shivratri is a prominent festival celebrated in Madhya Pradesh and other parts of India with great religious fervor. Khajuraho is also famous for its massive celebration of Shivratri festival. The festival marks the marriage event of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. On the occasion of the festival 2.5 meter high Lingam of Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho is adorned with white and saffron dhoti and conical and silver paper crown. The night- long ceremony witnesses the anointing of the Lingam with water of holy rivers of India and chanting of hymns. At the end Bel leaves and flowers are thrown on the Lingam as a mark of successful completion of the marriage. On the occasion of the festival thousands of devotees from Madhya Pradesh and other parts of the country throng there to take the blessing of Lord Shiva. Other major festivals of India like Holi, Dussera and Diwali are also celebrated in Khajuraho with much pomp and show.

Alleppey is known as the Venice of India especially for its backwaters channels.located in Kerala state in India. The major event of Alleppey is the boat festival to be held every year. The most famous Nehru trophy boat festival would be held every year in the month of August. The festival attracts thousands of tourists from all across the world.

The first of its kind was held in 1952 in the presence of Jawaharlal Nehru. Since then it has been known as the Nehru Trophy boat race. Many groups would partake in this race. It is a very prestigious race for them.  The rowers singing the Vanchi Pattu (traditional song sung by the rowers) row their boats. These are called the snake boats of hundred feet long. The occasion calls for other merriments including watching the Kahthakkali performances and tasting the typical Kerala cuisine.

Another boat festival to be held in every September is the Payippad Boat festival. This is a three day festival in honor of the deity Subrahmanya of Haripad.  Arthungual Perunal and Edatuva Perunal are the two Christian fairs celebrated every year.

Others than these boat races Alleppy also celebrates the traditional festivals of Kerala. Onam and Vishu are the two important festivals of Kerala. Onam falls in the last week of August normally lasting for ten days.