Ratha Yatra
Today at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are welcoming summer by travelling to India to celebrate the famous Ratha Yatra festival.
Ratha Yatra, also known as Jagganath Festival, is one of the biggest Hindu festivals, which is held every year in June in Puri, in Odisha. It is the most important festival in Puri, which celebrates the arrival of Jagannath, one of the appearances of Krishna, at the Gundicha Temple.
The deities at Gundicha Temple: Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, are moved in three thorough chariots across the streets of Puri, commemorating the annual trip of the three deities to their aunt´s temple, Gundicha Temple.
Lord Jagannath´s chariot is called Nandighosa. It is 14 metres high and has sixteen wheels. It is covered with a red and yellow fabric.
Balabhadra´s chariot, known as Taladhwaja, includes a palm tree on its flag. It is 13 metres and a half high and has fourteen wheels. It is covered with a red and blue fabric.
Subhadra´s chariot, which is called Dwarpadalana, is also 13 metres and a half high and has twelve wheels. It is covered with a red and black fabric.
During Ratha Yatra, devotees from all over the world travel to Puri to carry the chariots. The procession sings songs to the rhythm of drums and trumpets. People believe that contemplating Lord Jagannath or touching the chariots brings good luck for the rest of the year.
If you are still planning your summer holidays, we are looking forward to seeing you at the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Forget about long-haul flights to enjoy Southeast Asia.
