Rath Yatra 2022 begins! Interesting facts about Lord Jagannath procession- IN PICS

Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is held every year in Odisha's Puri, is the world's largest chariot procession. In Jagannath Yatra, the three Raths of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra are pulled by devotees. 

In Hindu mythology, deities once stationed are not taken away from their place. However, Jagannath Yatra is the only Hindu procession or ritual where the deity Lord Jagannath, an incarnate of Lord Vishnu, is taken outside the temple premises.

In Jagannath Yatra, the role of chariots is of great significance as Lord Jagannath is taken and carried in it. Interestingly, new chariots are created every year but without using even a single nail.

According to common belief, after the chariots return, they are dismantled and the woods are used in the kitchen of Jagannath temple as fuel. The three chariots are built a new, every year ahead of the annual chariot festival.

The names of the chariots of Lord Jagannath are Nandighosh, Balabhadra's and Subhadra's are Taal Dhwaja and Darpadalana Rath. The chariot pulling will start at 4 pm this year.

As per Hindu mythology, Lord Jagannath, who is taken out of the Puri Temple during the onset of Yatra, stays at his aunt's home for all seven days. Then, on Ashadh Shukla Dashami, the eighth day, the chariots make their way back. The Yatra taken back home is called Baudh Yatra

Interestingly, it is believed that the only temple where prasad is referred to as "Mahaprasad" is the Jagannath Temple. The kitchen in the Jagannath temple is thought to be the biggest in the world. In seven wooden utensils or clay pots, this Mahaprasad is made.