Varanasi: Rath Yatra Mela, one of Kashi’s grandest religious festivals, commenced on Thursday at Rathyatra Chowk, drawing thousands of devotees who gathered to pull the grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and goddess Subhadra through the city’s decorated streets amid chants of ‘Jai Jagannath.’Devotees started arriving at the fair venue from the morning to offer prayers. In view of the festival, traffic diversions were enforced, with vehicles heading towards Rathyatra crossing diverted through alternate routes to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and visitors.Celebrated in Varanasi since 1802, the festival follows traditions similar to the famous Rath Yatra of Puri. According to local belief, the original idols of Lord Jagannath were brought to Kashi from Puri by a priest, giving the festival immense religious significance in the city, revered as the abode of Lord Shiva.The festival begins on Jyeshtha Purnima, when Lord Jagannath is believed to fall ill after a ceremonial bath at the Jagannath Temple in Assi. During the following 14 days, the deity is offered herbal preparations, particularly kadha made from parwal and tulsi, while the temple remains closed to devotees.After the ritual period concludes, the temple doors reopen for darshan. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and goddess Subhadra are then taken in a palanquin to Pt Beniram Bagh for an overnight stay. The next evening, they are ceremonially placed on the grand chariot at Rathyatra Road after special aarti and prayers, marking the beginning of the procession. Following the conclusion of the three-day fair, the idols are taken back to the temple.The festival also attracts large crowds to stalls selling colourful artefacts, handicrafts and toys.
