Imagine a festival so rare and captivating that it only happens twice in a century — now, it’s unfolding over just two unforgettable days. What’s the story behind this extraordinary event?
For the first time in over half a century, the Rath Yatra in Odisha will unfold over two days, reminiscent of the unique occurrence in 1971 and 1909 due to a particular celestial configuration. Unfortunately, this time around, the chance for devotees to view the Trinity in the ‘Nabajaubana’ will be absent
Puri: Worshippers will have the chance to participate in the iconic chariot-pulling of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra not once, but twice during this year’s Rath Yatra. This event, mirroring the one from 53 years ago, is shaped by a similar celestial alignment, though the ‘Nabajaubana’ viewing will not be possible.
According to the temple’s ritual calendar, the ‘Ratha Agyanmala Bije’ is scheduled for July 6,while the ‘Nabajaubana Darshan’, ‘Netra Utsav’, and the Rath Yatra itself are all set for July 7.
The chariots will be drawn a short distance on July 7 as part of the ritual, with the deities moved to the Shree Gundicha temple on July 8, accommodating the abbreviated ‘Anasara’ period of 13 days this year, as opposed to the typical 15 days of recuperation after the deities’ ceremonial bath during Snana Purnima.
A scholar from Mukti Mandap, the temple’s highest seat of learning, revealed that despite the shortened Anasara period this year, traditional records from the Bamadev Samhita and Niladri Mahodaya stipulate it must still be observed for 15 days. With Snana Purnima on June 22, the 15-day Anasara ends on July 6, necessitating a rescheduling of rituals since the Nabajaubana Darshan and Rath Yatra coincide on July 7.
Daitapati servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra shared that it’s been 53 years since the ‘Nabajaubana Darshan’, ‘Netra Utsav’, and Rath Yatra last coincided on a single day.
Typically, the day before Nabajaubana involves a specific ritual with the Agyanmala, but this year presents a unique situation.
He elaborated, “With Nabajaubana and Rath Yatra occurring simultaneously, time constraints will limit the ability to perform Sriranga Seba, a confidential ritual for the Trinity, along with Netra Utsav and other preceding ceremonies. Consequently, the Nabajaubana darshan will not be feasible this year.”
This year’s scenario echoes the 1971 Rath Yatra when the chariot pulling extended over two days. Following the precedent set in 1971, this year’s event will adapt the schedule accordingly. Unlike the typical practice, the Agyanmalla for Pati Dian will be used on July 6, as the deities will remain secluded for confidential rituals.
Dasmohapatra added, “On July 7, the deities are scheduled to be moved to the chariots in a Pahandi procession at 2.30 pm. Following rituals on the chariots, including Cherra Pahanra, will span three to four hours, with chariot pulling expected to commence around 7 pm or 8 pm, covering only a short distance.” The subsequent day, the chariots will proceed to the Gundicha temple, offering devotees a second opportunity to partake in the chariot pulling.