• Sunday 25th Jun 2017

Jagannath Rathyatra

The world famous Car Festival of Lord Jagannath is held on' AshadhaSukla Dwitiya' -i.e. the 2nd day of the bright fort-night of Ashadha (June- July) every year. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), his sister Goddess Subhadra and his elder brother Lord Balabhadra. It is also called Gundicha Yatra, Chariot Festival, Dasavatara and Navadina Yatra. Ratha Yatra commemorates Lord Jagannatha's annual visit to Gundicha Mata temple. It is said that to honor the devotion of Queen Gundicha, wife of the legendary King Indradyumna who built the Puri Jagannatha temple, the Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra leave their regular abode in the main temple and spend a few days in this temple built by Gundicha in their honor.