The Alwar Jagannath Temple Ratha Yatra Festival, also known as the Alwar Jagannath Mela, is a vibrant and significant religious celebration that takes place annually in the city of Alwar. This three-day event is marked by various rituals and festivities, drawing thousands of devotees from Rajasthan and neighboring states. Alwar Jagannath Mela 2024 date is July 16 to July 19. The annual wedding celebration between Lord Jagannath and Jankiji at Roopbas is on July 17.
The festival kicks off on Ashada Shukla Paksha Dashami,
which is the tenth day during the waxing phase of the moon in the Ashada month.
The main highlight of the event is the chariot procession, where the idol of
Lord Jagannath is carried through the city on a chariot known as Indra Vimana.
The chariot, adorned with colorful decorations and accompanied by the
enthusiastic participation of the local community, creates a spectacle that
captivates the hearts of the onlookers.
One of the unique aspects of the Alwar Jagannath Temple festival is the annual marriage celebration between Lord Jagannath and Jankiji. This divine wedding ceremony, held at Roopbas, adds a special touch to the festivities and takes place on Ekadashi day. Devotees gather to witness this sacred union, which is considered auspicious and symbolic of the divine bond between the deities.
The central deity of the temple is Budhe Jagannath, an
ancient manifestation of Lord Jagannath. Interestingly, this deity is available
for darshan only for a limited period of five days during the Rath Yatra in a
year, adding an air of exclusivity to the religious experience.
The procession begins from the Jagannath Temple located at
Purana Katala in Alwar, where the local police pays homage to the deity by
providing a guard of honor. The yatra encompasses the entire town, with around
100 temples participating in the aarti (ritual of worship). This collective
display of devotion enhances the spiritual atmosphere and underscores the unity
of the community in celebrating their faith.
Apart from the grand chariot festival, a significant number
of devotees flock to Alwar to witness the divine wedding between Lord Jagannath
and Jankiji. The festival, therefore, serves as a convergence point for people
from diverse backgrounds and regions, all coming together to share in the
joyous celebration of their religious beliefs.
In conclusion, the Alwar Jagannath Temple Ratha Yatra festival
is not only a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza that brings
communities together in a spirit of devotion and celebration.