Rath Yatra is an annual event associated with the
Jagannath temple at
Mahesh in
Hooghly District. This festival is held 2 weeks after the Snan Jatra, which is the festival of holy dip in the
Ganges River.
After the festival of holy dip the temple is closed for 2 weeks, during which the idols of the deities are given a re-varnish and polish. The temple is opened for worship following a ritual called ‘jagna.’ This opening ceremony is called Nabajauban Utsab.
The following day the deities are mounted on a huge ‘rath’ (chariot), with the idol of Lord Jagannath at the top. The chariot is a mammoth four storied structure constructed from iron and wood. The gigantic structure measures 50 feet in height and weighs a massive 125 tons. The chariot rests on 12 wheels. Two copper horses and wooden swans are fixed in front.
The chariot is led in a procession, which leaves the Mahesh village and proceeds to a place called Kunjobati, which according to legends is the abode of the deity’s aunt. The deities along with the chariot halt for 9 days in this place after which it returns to the temple. This return journey is called Ulta (upside down) Rath.
