Toshali Sands :: Rath Yatra (June-July)

Rath Yatra, known as Car Festival, is the grandest of all festivals in Orissa. It is the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from the main Jagannath Temple to another shrine called ‘Gundicha Mandir’ where the deities stay for nine days.

It begins from the 2nd day of the bright half of ‘Asadha’ which falls in June or July every year. Thousands and thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad throng on that day at Puri to pull the sacred chariots.

The much famous Temple Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath, takes place in Puri. On the first day, the temple images are carried through the street in three huge thundering chariots which have made this event internationally known. Nine days later, the journey is repeated in the opposite direction. To witness this festival is an experience of a life time, but ensure to book rooms and make all other arrangements well in advance.