Rath Yatra, also known as Dasavatara Yatra, colloquially, Chariot festival, is an exquisite annual festival celebrated in India.It is held on the second day of Shukla Paksha according to traditional regional calendar and pays homage to Lord Krishna also known as Lord Jagannath. It has a deep rooted socio cultural influence, aesthetic appeal and religious sanctity and holds immense significance in India.
The spiritual significance of Rath Yatra is immense. It is symbolic of our human body being the Rath (chariot) and the driver of this bodily chariot being God who drives the Rath (chariot) out of the Yatra (journey) of Bhavasagar (material existence) and bestows liberation (moksha).On more spiritual meaning is that in this festival Lord comes down from his pedestal among the public to bless his devotees and soothe their hearts with His divine presence. The Lord showers all devotees with his benign presence irrespective of caste, creed and colour. It shows the magnanimity and universalism of the Divine. It gives us an opportunity as to reflect on the fact of spirit of inclusiveness of Divine which we should try to emulate. It emphasizes the plural natural of Hinduism.
There are other mythological stories too explaining the importance of the Yatra(journey).It is mentioned in the religious texts that Lord says that He is found whenever the devotees come together to chant His name and glories. This festival marks the mass gathering of thousands of devotees coming together for the divine purpose of remembering God. Real religion is that which awakens the unconditional love for Lord in our hearts, based on faith. Rath Yatra, gives us an opportunity to evoke the divine within us.
Rath Yatra festival is a grand spectacle where devotees participate with immense enthusiasm and reverence. The essence of any spiritual practice lies in the purity of heart and sincerity of intentions. Rath Yatra fosters a sense of unity, devotional fervor and creates a platform for expression of faith where Divine connects with the mortal. Its indeed a journey of transcendence beyond the physical realm, touching and transforming the hearts of all who participate in the journey.
