Celebrations
GVA Childrens' Shree Jagannath Ratha Yatra 2025
June 28, 2025
Hare Krishna! Shree Jagannath Puri Ratha yatra is an annual grand celebration of the pulling of the Chariots of the Three Lordships in Orissa, India. Shree Jagannath Puri is manifestation of the Spiritual abode of the Lord Krishna, Shree Vaikuntha Loka on this planet earth where Lord Krishna has appeared Himself in the very special form of Lord Jagannath –the Lord of the Universe, Lord Baladeva – His Older brother, and their younger sister Smt. Subhadra Mataji.
Shreedham Jagannath Puri is one of the Main four (chaar) Dhams for pilgrimage in India. Rath Yatra is celebrated in major cities worldwide today by the Mercy of Vaishnava devotees.
This Rath yatra or the procession of pulling of the Chariots from the Puri temple to the Gundicha temple. This is symbolic of Lord Shree Krishna visiting from Dwaraka where He lives with his 16,108 wives to visit His devotees in Shree Vrindavana Dham where the greatest devotees of Lord Shree Krishna the Gopees headed by Shreemati Radharani Live.
The wooden form of Lord Shree Jagannatha is very unique and is eternally situated as ‘Shree Purushottama’ in this form only in Shreedham Puri. The significance of the Rath Yatra is that the Magnanimous Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple to give darshan to everyone – devotees, non-devotees, birds, animals, trees, and insects. Shree Kshetra Puri Dham is also well known for the Jagannath Maha Prasadam. Lord says, “Apani Apado javano grahita...” The Lord accepts everything although apparently, He has no hands; and moves speedily for the welfare of the world.
The significance of the Rath Yatra lies in the belief that anyone who pulls the chariot or even touches its ropes earns immense spiritual merit and blessings, such as:
Anyone who sees the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Shreemati Subhadradevi during their procession will be quickly rid of miseries and will reach Vaikuntha-loka, the eternal, spiritual world, where anxiety does not exist.
Simply by the darshan of the Rath yatra one can advance to stop the repetition of birth and death.
Participation in the Rath yatra will dissipate the sins committed in one’s past births.
Pulling the Rath and/or Dancing in front of the Rath gives one benefits acquired by yogis after years of penances.
Most importantly even a simple spectator receives Blessings from Lord Jagannath.
So, everyone is encouraged to participate enthusiastically in this most auspicious celebration of Mercy given by Lord Jagannath to His devotees.
Come enjoy the Blissful Kirtans, Most auspicious Darshan, and Blessed Prasadam.
Shree Jagannatha, Shree Baladeva and Shreemati Subhadra Maharani ki jai!!
Hare Krishna!!