Rath Yatra is one of the most celebrated times in Odisha as the incarnation of Vishnu, Lord Jagannath is taken on a chariot ride from his temple to the Gundicha temple with a visit to the Mausi Maa temple in between. The chariot is adorned by the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother, Lord Balarama, and their sister, Subhadra.

Pilgrims from all over the world and different parts of the country come to witness this spectacle in the city of Puri, Odisha, which is also very well known for its beaches. So, if you are planning a trip to the city of Jagannath with one of the best travel agencies in India, then this blog is going to give you some ideas on what you can do there to have a good time.

1. Take a Dip in The Beaches

Before the processions begin, it is time for you to take a few dips on the beaches and cleanse yourself for the ceremony. You can also have a good time riding horses and camels that are commercially available for it by locals. Puri beach is one of the main attractions for most tourists who come to Odisha and a lot of people spend their days looking into the horizon during sunrise and sunset.

2. Visit The Carnivals

During the Rath Yatra procession, there are many carnivals that happen around the temple, and visiting them would truly make you imbibe the spirit of the festival. From delectable food stalls to souvenirs, there is plenty of see, eat, and collect – and if you are indeed a devotee of Lord Krishna, then you should get one of the miniature idols of the temple’s trinity for your home. You can also find local handmade jewelry and the likes in these carnivals – and children have the option to go for all kinds of rides as well.

3. Get Your Miniature Chariot

While the gigantic ones will be carrying the three idols, you can buy your miniature wooden chariots too to celebrate your yatra or journey to the spiritual. This is one of the practices that people take part in throughout the continent and it is one of the reasons why people are so obsessed with getting to Puri once in their lives during this auspicious time. Children can have a wonderful time decorating the chariot how they please with clay oil lamps, flowers, and all kinds of embellishments that are available in carnivals, before they go out on the yatra.

4. Take Part in The Main Procession

The main yatra is a spectacle in itself and people wait to travel with the divine chariots of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balarama. The royal successor of the state is expected to clear the path for the divine idols with his golden handled broom, after which the journey commences. People from different parts of the country come here to walk with the incarnation of Vishnu himself and kings and common folk become the same in this journey, in front of the divine creator and his siblings.

5. Enjoy The Rath Yatra Special Menu

For the foodies at heart, the yatra is a lovely time to hog on delectable snacks and dishes. Try the rice and lentils khichdi with clarified butter/ ghee, and enjoy it with fried egg plants, and dal crisps called papad. It is the signature Rath Yatra menu and you should try it if you are in the mood for some real Odisha cuisine. There is enough for the sweet tooth folks as well, as Jalebi is one of the most popular desserts along with Kheer and crispy khaja during this season.

You can enjoy all of these things if you visit the city during this auspicious ceremony and give yourself the opportunity to have the time of your life! Just get on with one of the renowned tour groups in India and you are good to go.

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5 Things to Do At Puri During Rath Yatra Festival!