The Lord of the Universe
Ratha Yatra is one of the oldest and most spectacular festivals in the world. Originally celebrated in Puri, Odisha, it has now become a global symbol of peace and inclusion. "Ratha" means chariot and "Yatra" means journey. On this auspicious day, Lord Jagannath, along with His brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, leaves the sanctum of the temple to travel amongst the people.
The Mercy of the Chariot
It is said that anyone who sees the Lord upon His chariot or helps pull the ropes of the Ratha is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.
Ratha Yatra at Gita Sangha
In New York, Gita Sangha celebrates Ratha Yatra as a Spring Festival for World Peace. The streets fill with the sounds of Harinam Sankirtan as devotees and neighbors alike come together to pull the grand, flower-decorated chariot.
- Pahandi: The ceremonial procession where the Deities are carried out of the temple.
- Chhera Panhara: The symbolic sweeping of the chariot platform, showing that even a king is a humble servant of the Lord.
- Snana Yatra & Gundicha: Re-enacting the Lord's visit to the Gundicha temple, symbolizing the soul's return to Vrindavan.
- Ananda Bazar: Distribution of Maha-Prasadam to all participants regardless of caste, creed, or nationality.
The festival is a vibrant display of culture, including traditional dances, music, and the distribution of sanctified food. We invite you to grab the ropes of the chariot and help us bring the Lord into the hearts of everyone in our city.
