Rituals on Rath Yatra Day
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