Niladri Bije - Ratha Jatra

Ratha Jatra or Ratha Yatra or Rath Yatra, also called the ‘Chariot Festival' of Puri Shree Jagannatha is a centuries-old festival of Odisha, India. It finds mention in many ancient texts like the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Kapila Samhita, Bamadeva Samhita, Niladri Mahodaya etc. 

Ratha Jatra is celebrated all over the world now.

This annual festival is celebrated on Asadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Asadha month, the third month of the Odia calendar).

The rituals have been held systematically as per the tithi for hundreds of years. The preparations start early. The first lot of wood for constructing the Rathas reaches by Basanta Panchami, and Puja (Ratha Katha Anukula) is done. 

The construction of the chariots starts on the day of Akshaya Trutiya (the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Baisakha). Skilled artisans and craftsmen construct the Rathas following centuries-old traditions. The size and specifications of the Rathas are fixed.

Ratha Jatra is the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from their abode, Shreemandira, to their birthplace, Shree Gundicha Temple. Thus, this is also called Gundicha Jatra.

Hera Panchami - When Maa Lakshmi Is Angry

Puri Dham is one of the most important places of visit for Hindus.

A rich cultural history and many festivals including the world-famous Ratha Jatra are associated with this holy place. 

Puri Dham is called the Shree Kshetra and the Shree Jagannatha Temple is called the Shreemandira.

Shree means Goddess Lakshmi. 

This shows Her importance.

She is the wife of Shree Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe.

Many wrongly think that Ratha Jatra is a one-day festival and the festivities end that day. 

The journey starts on the second day of the bright fortnight of Asadha (month in Hindu/Odia calendar) that is celebrated as Ratha Jatra. 

The Ratha Jatra is also called Nabadina Jatra (nine-day journey). 

On the ninth day, Bahuda Jatra is held.

However, that is not the end of the Ratha Jatra.

Actually, the Ratha Jatra festivities come to an end on the twelfth day of the commencement of the journey. 

Niladri Bije ritual marks the completion of their journey with the deities entering the Shreemandira.

There are many traditions and significant centuries-old rituals are done.

On the fifth day of the Ratha Jatra, there is the Hera Panchami tradition.

Today is Hera Panchami.

"Hera" means "to see".

This evening, Maa Lakshmi will visit Shree Gundicha Temple to see Shree Jagannatha.

What does She do there?