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Puri, situated on the eastern coast of Orissa, has immense historic and religious significance. It boasts of a moderate climate throughout the year with scenic beauty. It is known globally for its Jagannath and Konark temples, Chilika lake – one of the world’s largest brackish lakes and a home for migratory birds.

Orissa is famous for its Rath Yatra in Puri, held every year. This festival is held to commemorate Lord Jagannath, who is said to have been the incarnation of India’s revered deities, Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna.

Held for nine days, the colorful Jagannath Yatra attracts tourists not only from all over India, but also from abroad. On the first day of this Yatra, statues of Lord Krishna, Lord Jagannath’s brother Balabhadra and his sister – Subhadra are taken in a procession to the Gundicha temple, which is two kilometers away from the Jagannath temple.

On the ninth day, the statues are brought back with due ceremony. All these deities are worshipped by the lakhs of devotees that throng the city during these nine days.

The king, or raja of Puri arrives at the temple accompanied by heavily bejeweled elephants, to the loud beating of gongs. The raja, expressing his humility as a sevak (servant) of the lords, sweeps the chariots with a golden broom.

The idols of the deities are carried in three separate raths, or chariots, each several feet high and pulled by strong ropes. Balram’s rath, the first to be taken out, is blue in colour. This is followed by Subhadra’s rath, which is in black. Lord Krishna’s rath comes last, and is coloured yellow. Pulling or even touching the ropes of these chariots is considered to be auspicious and many struggle to do so. Legend has it that those who can see all the chariots moving in the south direction will be granted salvation.

New chariots are made each year; the older ones are broken down to be used in the kitchen or sold as souvenirs to believers. Stories abound of pilgrims throwing themselves in the path of the chariots, in the belief that death under these chariot wheels will bring them eternal peace.

This annual festival also commemorates Lord Krishna’s journey from Gokul to Mathura, symbolizing a journey from darkness to light.

Jagannath Puri Dham is one of the four main dhams in India, being of great relevance in our present age – which is referred to as Kalyuga, according to the Hindu belief and scriptures.

Orissa’s famed Odissi dance, patta paintings, appliqué paintings and shell craft curios attract tourists from all over. While Puri has visitors at any time of the year, the Jagannath festival is the time when the district overflows with activity.