The Jagannath Rath Yatra, or Festival of Chariots, is an internationally celebrated pilgrimage centered at the holy coastal city of Puri in Odisha. During this extraordinary festival, Lord Jagannath (a form of Krishna), accompanied by His elder brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra, emerges from the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple to journey among all people.
The yatra commences on the second tithi (Dwitiya) of the waxing fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the lunar month of Ashadha. The deities travel aboard three colossal, intricately crafted wooden chariots (Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana) drawn by thousands of eager devotees pulling thick sacred ropes.
The deities travel along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt's abode, where they reside for nine days before undertaking the return journey (Bahuda Yatra). The occasion embodies equality and universal brotherhood, allowing people of all backgrounds to behold the Lord.