Tomorrow (July 14) will mark one of the biggest Hindu festivals – Jagannath Rat Yatra – the annual chariot journey festival of Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from the Puri temple to their aunt’s house – Gundicha Temple, where they will stay for a week.
Every year, over one and a half million devotees throng to Odisha’s temple town Puri to witness the Rath Yatra and participate in pulling the chariots of the Gods and Goddess.
Here are 10 tips for participating at Jagannath Rath Yatra:
1. Be there as early as possible
Reach the temple as early as possible. Traffic and crowd increase many folds during this time of the year and unless you reach your destination, well in time, neither you will be able to find a place to park your vehicle nor be able to place yourself near the holy chariots.
2. Get public transport
It will be wise if you use public transport instead of private vehicle during Rath Yatra. With diversions and parking places far away from the Grand Road, you will have to face hardships with your vehicle.
3. Wear light clothes
The weather remains unpredictable during this time. You might find yourself sweating and at the same time getting drenched in the rain. It is better to wear light and comfortable clothes. Wear a cap as a protection against sun. Chances are high that you will lose your shoes during stampede. So wear cheap sandals.
4. Don’t wear jewellery
Pick-pockets and snatchers often hide in the crowd and look out for opportunities to loot the devotees. Play safe. Don’t carry huge amount of cash with you or wear precious jewellery. Keep your mobile in your front pocket.
5. Eat healthy
Before reaching Puri temple, eat healthy. It will be difficult to find good food while pulling the chariots. Take sufficient water.
6. Maintain distance
Avoid trespassing the police cordon around the three chariots. Also don’t try to touch the moving chariots. Most devotees try to break in leading to untoward incidents. But remember, only pass holders are allowed to enter the cordon.
7. Pull the chariot carefully
If you are lucky to get a chance to pull the chariot, don’t go overboard with excitement and pull abruptly. Follow how the trained police personnel are doing it. Else there are high chances of breaking out of a stampede.
8. Don’t try to climb up the chariots
It is a legal offence to try to climb the moving chariots and touch the bigrahas (idols). However, you may do it while the chariots are standing still.
9. Avail the free Wi-Fi
The icing on the cake is the free Wi-Fi that you can enjoy at the Puri railway station.
10. Know about your destination
If you are new to Puri or participating in the Rath Yatra festival for the first time, do your homework before you arrive in the city. The Odisha government offers an array of special services and facilities during this world famous festival, including parking faculties, free shuttle bus services and rest sheds. Collect information booklets from information centers at the entrance of the city.