Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Lesser-Known Facts About the Jagannath Rath Yatra
Every year, the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri attracts many people.
Before the parade, a special person chants the 'Dahuka Boli'.
Before the parade the gods take a bath and then rest for two weeks.
The King also sweeps the chariot floor.
Afterwards, the goddess Lakshmi gets upset and damages the chariot.
Finally, the idols of the gods are unfinished on purpose.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri draws lakhs of devotees annually.
Before the chariot journey, a Dahuka recites 'Dahuka Boli,' traditional chants.
Deities undergo a ceremonial bath and 'fall sick,' staying hidden for two weeks before the Yatra.
The Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariot floor with a golden broom in the Chhera Pahanra ritual.
Goddess Lakshmi expresses her anger on the fifth day of the Yatra by symbolically damaging part of the chariot.
- Who
- Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and devotees.
- What
- Jagannath Rath Yatra, a religious festival.
- When
- Annually.
- Where
- Puri.
- Why
- To celebrate the deities and perform rituals.
- Main Event
- Jagannath Rath Yatra
- Location
- Puri
- Key Ritual
- Chariot procession
- Dahuka Boli
- Traditional chants recited before the Yatra
- Deities' Rest
- Two weeks before the Yatra
- King's Ritual
- Sweeping the chariot floor
- Goddess's Act
- Damaging part of the chariot