The Return Journey: Shree Jagannath Temple Bahuda Yatra Festival 2024 in Puri, Odisha is celebrated on 15 July 2024, Monday
From Gundicha Temple to Shree Jagannath Temple: The Journey of Bahuda Yatra 2024 held on 15 July 2024, Monday, is an important Hindu festival and ritual associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India. It marks the return journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, to their abode in the main temple after the annual Rath Yatra.
The Grand Return of Lord Jagannath and Siblings Celebrations of Bahuda Yatra - 2024
Devotees from across the world gather in Puri to witness and participate in this auspicious event. The festival is not only a religious gathering but also a major cultural event that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of Odisha. Bahuda Yatra, like the Rath Yatra, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees, symbolizing divine return, renewal of faith, and communal harmony.
Shree Jagannath Mandir Puri Bahuda Yatra is a significant festival in the Hindu tradition, particularly celebrated in Odisha, India. It marks the return journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, to their abode at the Jagannath Temple in Puri after the annual Ratha Yatra to the Gundicha Temple. Here’s an overview of its significance:
Tradition, Devotion, Cultural Splendor, and Significance of Bahuda Yatra - 2024
Rath Yatra for the year 2024 is celebrated on 7 July 2024, Sunday
Completion of the Ratha Yatra: Bahuda Yatra signifies the conclusion of the annual Ratha Yatra festival, where the deities travel back to their original shrine. This return journey is as grand and important as the initial procession.
The symbolism of the Journey: The round trip symbolizes the visit of Lord Jagannath to his birthplace and his return, representing the cyclical nature of life and the divine presence in the mundane world.
Renewal of the Universe: In Shree Jagannath Temple tradition, the deities' annual journey is believed to rejuvenate the universe and cleanse the devotees' sins.
A Grand Celebration of Faith and Cultural Significance of Bahuda Yatra - 2024
Unity and Community Spirit: Bahuda Yatra brings together thousands of devotees from diverse backgrounds, promoting a sense of unity and shared devotion.
Cultural Festivities: The event is accompanied by various cultural activities, including music, dance, and traditional performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
Economic Boost: The influx of pilgrims and tourists during the festival provides a significant economic boost to the local Puri district economy, benefiting artisans, vendors, and the hospitality sector.
Celebrating the Divine Return in Puri: Mythological Context of Bahuda Yatra
Legend of Mausi Maa Temple: According to legend, the deities stop at the Mausi Maa Temple on their return journey to accept offerings of Poda Pitha, a traditional rice cake, symbolizing the acceptance of local customs and traditions by the divine.
Historical Legacy: The Bahuda Yatra has been celebrated for centuries, with references found in ancient texts and historical records, highlighting its enduring significance.
Bahuda Yatra is not just a religious procession but a vibrant celebration that reinforces cultural values, social cohesion, and spiritual rejuvenation. It is a time for devotees to come together in celebration, reflecting on the divine journey and seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Bahuda Yatra, besides being a significant religious event marking the return of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to their abode, encompasses several other celebrations and rituals. Here are some of the
Cultural Heritage and Spiritual Rejuvenation Associated with Bahuda Yatra and Post-Bahuda Yatra
Hera Panchami for the year 2024 is celebrated on 11 July 2024, Thursday
Timing: Celebrated on the 11 July 2024, Thursday
Significance: Hera Panchami commemorates the visit of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath, to the Gundicha Temple in search of her husband. This ritual symbolizes the divine couple's playful interactions and reunion.
Suna Besha (Golden Attire) for the year 2024 is observed on 16 July 2024, Tuesday
Timing: Takes place on the day after the Bahuda Yatra that is 16 July 2024, Tuesday
Significance: The deities are adorned with golden ornaments, known as Suna Besha or Rajadhiraja Besha, showcasing their royal and divine form. This draws a large number of devotees who come to witness the splendor and seek blessings.
Adhara Pana
Timing: Observed the night of the Bahuda Yatra that is 15 July 2024, Monday
Significance: Giant earthen pots filled with a sweet drink called Pana are offered to the deities on their chariots. This ritual aims to appease the spirits and demigods who might have accompanied the chariots, ensuring their satisfaction and the well-being of the universe.
Niladri Bije for the year 2024 is celebrated on 19 July 2024, Friday
Timing: Happens on the day following Suna Besha that is 19 July 2024, Friday
Significance: Niladri Bije marks the final return of the deities to the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple. A unique aspect of this event is the playful refusal of Goddess Lakshmi to let Lord Jagannath enter the temple, symbolizing a divine marital discord which is resolved through various rituals and offerings.
Poda Pitha Offering
Significance: The deities are offered Poda Pitha, a special rice cake, at the Mausi Maa Temple. This act represents the hospitality of the divine aunt (Mausi Maa) and is a highlight for the devotees who partake in the prasad.
Uniting Devotees in Puri's Sacred Celebration: Devotional Activities and Cultural Performances
Significance: Throughout the Bahuda Yatra, various cultural activities, including singing of bhajans (devotional songs), dancing, and theatrical performances, take place. These events celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and add to the festive atmosphere.
Charity and Community Services
Significance: Many devotees engage in charitable activities during the Bahuda Yatra. Free food and water are distributed to pilgrims, and various social services are provided as acts of devotion and goodwill.
Special Aartis and Pujas on Shree Jagannath Temple
Significance: Special aartis and pujas (rituals) are conducted to honor the deities during their journey back to the temple. These rituals involve chanting of mantras, lighting of lamps, and offering of flowers and sweets.
Bahuda Yatra is a multifaceted celebration that not only marks the return journey of the deities but also encompasses a range of rituals, cultural events, and acts of devotion that reflect the deep spiritual and cultural fabric of the region.
The date and time schedule for Bahuda Yatra vary each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar. Bahuda Yatra typically takes place on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashadha, which falls in June or July.
Divine Reunion: Significance and Celebrations of Bahuda Yatra 2024
Ritual performed on Shree Jagannath Temple Puri Bahuda Yatra
Early Morning - Mangala Aarti: The day begins with the Mangala Aarti, a ritual performed early in the morning to wake up the deities and seek their blessings.
Morning - Pahandi Bije: The deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, are ceremoniously brought out of the Gundicha Temple and placed on their respective chariots in a process known as Pahandi Bije. This usually starts around 8:00 AM.
Mid-Morning - Chhera Pahara: The Gajapati King of Puri performs the Chhera Pahara ritual, where he sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, signifying that all are equal before the deities. This typically occurs around 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Late Morning to Afternoon - Chariot Pulling: The chariots are pulled back to the Jagannath Temple by devotees. This process starts around 12:00 PM and continues through the afternoon. The chariots move slowly, with devotees singing bhajans and chanting.
Afternoon to Evening - Reaching Mausi Maa Temple: On their way back, the chariots stop at the Mausi Maa Temple (Aunt's temple), where the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a special type of cake. This stop is significant and involves rituals and offerings.
Evening - Reaching Jagannath Temple: The chariots usually reach the Jagannath Temple by evening, depending on the speed and flow of the procession.
Shree Jagannath Temple Bahuda Yatra and its associated events are not just a religious procession but a grand celebration involving elaborate rituals, deep cultural significance, and immense devotion from millions of followers. The return journey of the deities marks a significant spiritual event for devotees, symbolizing renewal, unity, and the cyclical nature of the divine presence in the world.