🚩 Pahandi: The Divine Procession of Rath Yatra at Jagannath Mandir The Pahandi procession at Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, Delhi, is a spiritually rich and visually spectacular part of the Rath Yatra festival. Known as Pahandi Bije, this divine march involves the ceremonial movement of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the sanctum to their grand chariots amid chants, music, and immense devotion. 📖 Mythological and Spiritual Significance The Pahandi ritual is more than a procession—it’s the divine moment when God comes to meet the people. In ancient scriptures, this represents the Lord’s compassion and willingness to descend from his divine abode to bless humanity. It marks the beginning of Rath Yatra and invites devotees into a deeper, more personal connection with Lord Jagannath. 🔱 Rituals and Procedures of Pahandi ✨ 1. Adorning the Deities The idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are dressed in

Rath Yatra, celebrated with grandeur in Puri, Odisha, is a festival rich in rituals and traditions. The day of Rath Yatra is marked by a series of elaborate and spiritually significant rituals that attract millions of devotees from across the globe. Here’s a detailed look at the key rituals performed on Rath Yatra day: 1. Mangala Aarti The day begins with the Mangala Aarti, a pre-dawn ritual where the deities are worshipped and offered prayers. This is an auspicious ceremony that marks the start of the festival. 2. Snana Purnima Prior to the Rath Yatra, the deities undergo a ceremonial bath known as Snana Purnima. This is followed by a period of seclusion, called Anavasara, during which the deities are believed to fall ill and are kept away from public view for about fifteen days. 3. Pahandi Bije The Pahandi Bije is the grand procession where the idols of Lord

1. Ancient Origins Rath Yatra has been celebrated for centuries, with its origins tracing back to ancient times. It is one of the oldest Hindu festivals, mentioned in various Puranas and scriptures. 2. Unique Chariots Every year, three new chariots are constructed for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. These chariots are made from specific types of wood, primarily from the Phassi and Dhausa trees, and are built without using any iron nails. 3. The Chariot Specifications Nandighosa: Lord Jagannath’s chariot, 45 feet high with 16 wheels, is decorated in red and yellow. Taladhwaja: Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, 44 feet high with 14 wheels, is adorned in blue and red. Darpadalana: Goddess Subhadra’s chariot, 43 feet high with 12 wheels, features black and red decorations. 4. Chhera Pahanra Ritual The King of Puri performs the Chhera Pahanra ritual, where he sweeps the chariots with a golden broom. This act signifies

Introduction Rath Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion. The festival, primarily observed in Puri, Odisha, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. Rath Yatra is celebrated for various religious, mythological, and cultural reasons, making it a unique and multifaceted event. Mythological Significance The primary reason for celebrating Rath Yatra is rooted in Hindu mythology. According to ancient scriptures, the festival commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt’s home. This journey symbolizes a divine family reunion and the bond between siblings. The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days before returning to their original abode, marking a complete cycle of the festival. Religious Importance Rath Yatra holds immense religious significance