Rath Yatra- the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabadra and their little sister Goddess Subhadra and one of the biggest religious festivals of India is celebrated every year in Sri Mandira, at Puri, Orissa with heartfelt devotion and love. Lord Jagannath believed to be an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. The festival is a great significance to Hindus, especially to the people of Orissa. The festival falls on the bright fortnight of Ashadha. For 2008, the much celebrated festival falls on 4th July, Friday.

Rath Yatra of Orissa is also popular known as Dasavatara Yatra, Gundicha, Ghosa Yatra Yatra and Navadina Yatra. This festival holds much significance to the millions of devotees Lord Jagannath. A glimpse of Jagannath on the chariot is considered very auspicious. Even it is believed that if a person touches the chariot or the ropes, he/she is forgiven for ages.

Rath Yatra- Regional Celebrations
The main festival in the glory of Lord Jagannath is celebrated at Puri. In places like Serampore (West Bengal), Ramnagar(Uttar Pradesh), Jagannathpur (Jharkhand) devotees of Lord celebrate this festival with much ado and enthusiam.

Rath Yatra- International Celebrations
Rath Yatra is not only celebrated in India, it is also celebrated internationally by the devotees of Lord Krishna, after being introduced to the Western World in 1967 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

“I am glad to have this opportunity to convey my support for the 36th annual Ratha Yatra Festival and to signal the Government’s strong commitment to diversity and the contribution it can make to Britain today.” – by Tony Blair

This message given by British Prime Minister, Tony Blair on the auspicious occasion of 2006 London Rath Yatra shows it’s power of binding people on international levels.

A Festival Celebrated for All and Celebrated by All
Rath Yatra is a greatest festival of India because of its ability to unite millions of people from all religions and from all corners of the world under one roof. All rich and poor, brahmins and shudras, Hindu or Muslim or Christian equally celebrate and enjoy this grand festival and the joy it brings.