Ratha Yatra symbolizes accessibility, communal harmony , equality and inclusivity
Dr. Santosh Ku Mohapatra
Ratha Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, symbolizes a few key concepts. Primarily, it signifies the annual journey of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu), along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha. This journey represents the deities’ visit to their aunt’s house and is a time of great celebration and devotion.
Beyond the literal journey, Ratha Yatra symbolizes equality.The festival transcends social barriers, with the King of Puri himself sweeping the chariots, demonstrating that all are equal in the eyes of the divine. The Ratha Yatra brings people together, transcending social and economic boundaries, promoting a sense of unity and equality.
The festival is open to all, regardless of caste, creed, or social status, reflecting the accessibility and inclusive nature of Hinduism and Odia culture.
The Ratha Yatra encourages active community participation from people of all walks of life, fostering a sense of community , imperative of communal harmony and shared devotion.
The procession is a visual representation of the connection between the mortal and spiritual realms, with devotees pulling the chariots as a way of drawing closer to the divine.
The annual destruction of the chariots after the festival serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of the material world, while highlighting the eternal nature of the divine.
Rath Yatra preaches that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God. Discrimination based on caste, colour, religion, wealth are wrong and created by selfish human beings.
Nadighosh, the Chariot of Lord Jagannath is yet to move. Normally, after sunset, the chariot is not pulled. It is a great setback to the political party that projects itself as custodian and protector of Hindu religion.
Dr. Santosh Ku Mohapatra
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