Ratha-yatra

Ratha-yatra (the Festival of Chariots) is one of the oldest and most prominent festivals of India, originating in the sacred city of Jagannatha Puri in Odisha. In this ceremony, the deities of Jagannatha (Krishna as the Lord of the universe), Balarama, and Subhadra are carried in procession on massive, beautifully decorated wooden chariots, pulled by thousands of devotees using thick ropes. In the theology of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Ratha-yatra carries a profound esoteric meaning: it represents the sentiment of the gopis of Vrindavana who, after years of separation, meet Krishna at Kuruksetra and yearn to bring Him back to the sweet atmosphere of their original home. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu actively participated in the Puri Ratha-yatra, dancing with supreme ecstasy before the chariots and leading congregational chanting (sankirtan). In modern times, this festival has been introduced to major cities worldwide, enabling millions to obtain the benefit of seeing the merciful form of Jagannatha. For bhakti-yoga practitioners, pulling the chariot ropes is an act of loving service (seva) that cleanses the heart of accumulated material impurities.