Rath Yatra Gujarat Introduction To Rath Yatra: The theme of the Rath Yatra in Gujarat is different from that of Orissa. While the Rath Yatra in Puri, Orissa occurs on the day that Sri Jagannath is believed to have left for his summer vacation to a palace in the countryside, the Rath Yatra of Gujarat is celebrated with a completely different event in mind. This festival crosses all barriers of caste and creed. All the devotees irrespective of religious differences take part and give this festival a secular tinge. Description of Rath Yatra: Rath Yatra of Gujarat is associated with Lord Krishna. He was brought up by Nandalal of Gokul. Lord Krishna was invited by Kansha, the king of Mathura. Kansha was the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna and he was destined to be killed by Krishna. When Kansha threw an open challenge to Krishna, the latter went to Mathura. The journey that Krishna undertook by a chariot is now celebrated in the 'chariot festival' or the Rath Yatra in Gujarat. When Sri Krishna left his village, the beautifully decorated chariot was followed by playmates and Gopis of Gokul. In this journey towards the battle against evil, Krishna was accompanied by Balaram, his elder brother. Still today the occasion is celebrated with beautifully decorated chariots with idols of Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra. In the present time the procession consists of devotees, music bands and bhajan mandalis. Devotees drawing the chariot are gripped with a devotional fever as they remember that auspicious day when Lord Krishna journeyed to Mathura on his chariot to destroy evil in the form of Kansha. The procession is headed by the Mahant of Jaganath temple. The main themes and the significance of the day are the separation of Krishna from his friends and the commencement of a new journey of his life. Time For Celebration of Rath Yatra: The celebration takes place in the month of either July or August. On the very day devotees from different corners of the state come and visit the place. Gujarat, with her unique tradition, celebrates the festival grandly.

Introduction To Rath Yatra: The theme of the Rath Yatra in Gujarat is different from that of Orissa. While the Rath Yatra in Puri, Orissa occurs on the day that Sri Jagannath is believed to have left for his summer vacation to a palace in the countryside, the Rath Yatra of Gujarat is celebrated with a completely different event in mind. This festival crosses all barriers of caste and creed. All the devotees irrespective of religious differences take part and give this festival a secular tinge. Description of Rath Yatra: Rath Yatra of Gujarat is associated with Lord Krishna. He was brought up by Nandalal of Gokul. Lord Krishna was invited by Kansha, the king of Mathura. Kansha was the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna and he was destined to be killed by Krishna. When Kansha threw an open challenge to Krishna, the latter went to Mathura. The journey that Krishna undertook by a chariot is now celebrated in the 'chariot festival' or the Rath Yatra in Gujarat. When Sri Krishna left his village, the beautifully decorated chariot was followed by playmates and Gopis of Gokul. In this journey towards the battle against evil, Krishna was accompanied by Balaram, his elder brother. Still today the occasion is celebrated with beautifully decorated chariots with idols of Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra. In the present time the procession consists of devotees, music bands and bhajan mandalis. Devotees drawing the chariot are gripped with a devotional fever as they remember that auspicious day when Lord Krishna journeyed to Mathura on his chariot to destroy evil in the form of Kansha. The procession is headed by the Mahant of Jaganath temple. The main themes and the significance of the day are the separation of Krishna from his friends and the commencement of a new journey of his life. Time For Celebration of Rath Yatra: The celebration takes place in the month of either July or August. On the very day devotees from different corners of the state come and visit the place. Gujarat, with her unique tradition, celebrates the festival grandly.