The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is the oldest and largest Hindu chariot festival in the world. It is celebrated every year in Puri, Odisha. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has now sought the nomination of Shree Jagannath Puri’s Rath Yatra for inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Here’s what we know.
Odisha Seeks UNESCO Tag For Puri’s Rath Yatra
The Odisha government and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration now want Puri’s Rath Yatra to be included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. According to The New Indian Express, the proposal has already been submitted along with the prescribed supporting documents.
The Odisha Chief Minister has also requested the Union Minister’s personal intervention to review the proposal. He has sought the full support of the Ministry of Culture in forwarding India’s nomination to UNESCO at the earliest. Devotees know that the Rath Yatra, held every year in Puri, is not just a festival. It is an emotion. The celebration attracts millions of devotees and visitors from across the globe. It is also one of the symbols of India’s living heritage.
Also Read: What Is Niladri Bije, Puri Rath Yatra’s Finale Ritual That Marks Lord Jagannath’s Homecoming?
What Makes This Yatra So Special?
Odisha’s Chief Minister, who strongly believes that Puri’s Rath Yatra deserves a place on the UNESCO list, shared with The New Indian Express that the festival embodies India’s rich cultural diversity, inclusivity, spirituality, craftsmanship, music, dance and community spirit. And honestly, we agree!
During the festival, the three deities: Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and his younger sister Goddess Subhadra, leave the main temple, the Shree Jagannath Temple, to visit their aunt’s home at the Gundicha Temple. They are taken out on three giant wooden chariots, which are pulled by millions of devotees. After staying for about a week at the Gundicha Temple, they return to the Shree Jagannath Temple. This return procession is called the Bahuda Yatra.
Also Read: Why Is Jagannath Rath Yatra’s Adhar Pana Spilled On The Ground & Not Served As Prasad?
Have you ever witnessed the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, and do you think it deserves a UNESCO heritage tag?
Cover Image Courtesy: @manas_muduli/X
FAQs
What is Puri’s Rath Yatra?
Puri’s Rath Yatra is the world’s oldest and largest Hindu chariot festival, held every year in Odisha.
When does Puri’s Rath Yatra happen?
Puri’s Rath Yatra is celebrated every year, usually during June or July, according to the Hindu calendar.
Where is Shree Jagannath Temple?
The Shree Jagannath Temple is located in Puri, Odisha.
