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| Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath |
Rath Yatra also known as the Festival of Chariots is one of the most significant Indian festivals which celebrates the journey of the Hindu deities Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their younger sister Goddess Subhadra from their abode to visit their aunt Gundicha.
1. The history of Rath Yatra dates back to the puranas. This festival finds its mention in the ancient and sacred texts of the Skanda Purana.
2. The festival is celebrated every year on the 'Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya' according to the Hindu calendar.
3. During the festival of Rath Yatra, all the three deities- Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra, travel in three different chariots. This is why this festival is also known as the 'Festival of Chariots'.
Nandighosha - The chariot of Lord Jagannath
4. All the chariots have distinct names and features.
The rath of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosha. Lord Balabhadra travels in the rath named Taladhwaja, while the chariot of Goddess Subhadra is called Darpadalana.
5. The Rath yatra of Mahesh is the second oldest chariot festival in India (after the Rath yatra at Puri) and the oldest in Bengal, celebrated since 1396 CE. It is a month-long festival held at Mahesh in Serampore situated at the Hooghly district of West Bengal.
6. “Rathe ca vamanam drstva punar janma na vidyate” – this shloka from the sashtras says, one who witnesses Lord Jagannath on the rath, is freed from rebirths, i.e the person attains 'moksha', the ultimate salvation.
7. The English word "Juggernaut" ( meaning: massive, powerful, overwhelming force) shares it's connection with Rath yatra. Legends surrounding the word trace its origin back to the festival of chariots.