Rath Yatra or car festival

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Source-----http://rathyatra.fullorissa.com/ http://www.orissatourismindia.com/rath-yatra-puri.html http://www.rathyatra.net/ Friends I have always tried to share information on our festivals, cultures, rituals. Today 21st June 2012, the Jagannath Rath Yatra or car festival is observed in my city. It is also known as Chariot festival, ‘Rath’ means Chariot or Car and Yatra means festival. It is not only observed in my state Orissa but most states in India and also abroad London, Melbourne, Belgaum, USA, Canada. This festival is celebrated on the second (dwitiya) day of shukla pakshya (waxing cycle of moon) of Ashadh Maas (3rd month in Lunar Calendar). This year it falls today. The Yatra at Puri of my state is world famous; I am enjoying the live telecast in TV in home. See the picture, three huge, colorfully decorated chariots, having huge idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are drawn by devotees on the bada danda to the Gundicha Temple. On their way back from the Gundicha Temple, the three deities stop for a while near the Mausi Maa Temple and have an offering of the Poda Pitha, which is a special type of pancake supposed to be the Lord’s favorite. After a stay for seven days, the deities return to their abode. Hope my friends will enjoy this information. JAI JAGANNATH. Any such festival at your place and country, please share and comment on my story. Thanks in advance. Prof.Bhuwan 21st June 2012. [i][/i]