Ratha Jatra
Ratha Jatra (also spelt Ratha Yatra in western countries) is a Hindu festival originating in the city of Puri in India, and this year will take place on 13th July. It is based around the worship of Krishna, and commemorates his annual visit to his aunt’s home in the Gundicha Temple. Extravagantly decorated chariots, made to resemble temples, are carried through the streets from the Jagannath Temple, and these contain the statues of Krishna and his brother and sister. Millions of people travel from around the world to catch a glimpse of the deities in their chariots.
Throughout the procession from one temple to the next, songs are sung and played on trumpets, and rhythms are beaten on drums and tambourines. Many who attend the procession try to force themselves through the massive crowds to have the chance to help pull the chariots along with the priests, as this is seen as a great honour.
Ratha Jatra processions take place in other locations throughout the world, as well as throughout India. The Ratha Yatra celebration in Dhamrai, Bangladesh became famous for its 60ft tall chariot, which was unfortunately destroyed in a conflict in 1971. However, the festival is still strongly celebrated in this area, with a month-long fair taking place around the procession, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country.
In recent decades, Ratha Jatra celebrations have spread far around the globe, to major cities such as London, New York, San Francisco, Dublin and Singapore. The spread can largely be attributed to the Hare Krishna movement, a branch of the Hindu religion that found popularity in western countries in the 1960s. However, Ratha Jatra is still an important festival for all branches of Hinduism. Festivals in western countries do not necessarily take place on the same date as the major festival in Puri – this year’s festivals in New York and London have both already taken place, each drawing thousands of spectators.
If you are attending a Ratha Yatra festival anywhere in the world, why not send us your story or photos? Send them to contribute@nccedu.com, and have the chance to win an MP3 player through our latest competition – Your Campus Needs You!
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