Every year the grand Rath-Yatra is held on the Ashaad Shukla Dwitya of Vikram Samvat, as per the Hindu calendar, which falls on the 21st of June this year. On this day thousands of devotees pull the huge chariot loaded with ornaments and idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in a long procession.
It is an extra ordinary chariot festival that originated in Jagannath Puri on the east coast of India and dates back to over 2000 years. Everyone chants Hare Krishna and dance in ecstasy as Krishna in his most merciful form of Jagannath is pulled along on a huge wooden cart.
Udaipur holds the distinction of holding the 3rd largest Rath Yatra in India. The city has two Rath Yatras on the same day at different locations. The Rath, a gigantic chariot, approximately 15 feet long, 8 feet high and adorned by precious metals like silver, will be followed by colorfully clad horse carts. This will eventually turn into a procession which will pass through a large part of the city. The path followed by this Rath would be Jagdish Mandir- Jagdish Chowk, then heading towards Ghanta Ghar, Bada Bajar, Bhadbhuja Ghati, Teej Ka Chowk, Dhan Mandi, Asthal Mandir,R.M.V. Road, Rang Niwas, Kalaji- Goraji, Bhattiyani Chohatta, and would end with the Maha Arti at the Jagdish Temple.
The other Rath Yatra will start from Shri Jagannath Dham Sec-7, Hiran Magri and lead towards the Shiv Mandir of Krishi Mandi Sec-11,Patel Circle, Khanjipeer, Rang Niwas, Bhattiyani Chohatta to Jagdish Mandir. From there it will merge with the Jagdish Chowk Rath Yatra in the same route and will then take a separate route from RMV Roadto Udiapole, Takeri, Madari, Sec-6 and return to the Shri Jagannath Dham of Sec-7.
The City of Lakes gear up in full swing to welcome the Lord Krishna, so pack your bags and be there to become a part of the celebrations!!!!!
