Co-Founded Grass Routes Journeys in Orissa, India - A tour company passionate about bringing people together and sharing experiences that enrich lives. They provide opportunities for travelers to engage with local communities by working in partnership with the people whose lives; stories and experiences make our authentic journeys so unique.
A combination of editor writings and carefully curated articles from around the web. Make Travel Fair was established in 2006 and has received multiple awards for its thoughtful approach towards travel and the way we experience the world... More
Once a year in the holy town of Puri on the east coast of India, the Gods enter the fray of the common man to mingle with the mob. Attracting thousands of pilgrims, the annual Rath Yatra (or Chariot Festival) is an orchestrated riot of colour, spectacle and sweat.
Frenzy of carpentry to build the gigantic "Juggernaut" for the Rath Yatra festival / Flickr photo by JnM_RTW
Huge chariots are built by local carpenters
Steeped in folklore and mythology the origins date back centuries and continue unabated today. Massive crowds gather on the streets all vying for a chance to set eyes on their beloved Gods. A motley crew linked by faith, devotion in their hearts and sweat on their brow, their anticipation and excitement is palpable.
The grand scale of the festival requires scrupulous coordination from the entire community, all prescribed to pitch in for the big event. Immense chariots are erected in the town square meticulously crafted and decorated by master carpenters and artisans. Children writhe in the hands of make-up artists, while dancers and performers drape themselves in rich costumes and musicians polish their instruments.
Leaving the lofty confines of the temple, the sacred deities are carried into the town square in a theatrical display of elaborate ritual. To the tune of percussion, chants and fervent devotion the Gods are seated in their respective chariots and physically hauled through the teeming streets.
A festival of faith
The euphoric atmosphere verges on chaos at times, but the cacophony of colour and crowds is as overwhelming as it is enthralling. An assault to the senses, all in good Faith!
The livelihood of the local Vezo people is completely dependent on the sea. This is, after all, why we are here: we are providing the science to help the Vezo understand how make the most of what their sea has to offer.
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A combination of editor writings and carefully curated articles from around the web. Make Travel Fair was established in 2006 and has received multiple awards for its thoughtful approach towards travel and the way we experience the world... More
When the Gods descend in Puri, India
Once a year in the holy town of Puri on the east coast of India, the Gods enter the fray of the common man to mingle with the mob. Attracting thousands of pilgrims, the annual Rath Yatra (or Chariot Festival) is an orchestrated riot of colour, spectacle and sweat.
Frenzy of carpentry to build the gigantic "Juggernaut" for the Rath Yatra festival / Flickr photo by JnM_RTW
Huge chariots are built by local carpenters
Steeped in folklore and mythology the origins date back centuries and continue unabated today. Massive crowds gather on the streets all vying for a chance to set eyes on their beloved Gods. A motley crew linked by faith, devotion in their hearts and sweat on their brow, their anticipation and excitement is palpable.
The grand scale of the festival requires scrupulous coordination from the entire community, all prescribed to pitch in for the big event. Immense chariots are erected in the town square meticulously crafted and decorated by master carpenters and artisans. Children writhe in the hands of make-up artists, while dancers and performers drape themselves in rich costumes and musicians polish their instruments.
Leaving the lofty confines of the temple, the sacred deities are carried into the town square in a theatrical display of elaborate ritual. To the tune of percussion, chants and fervent devotion the Gods are seated in their respective chariots and physically hauled through the teeming streets.
A festival of faith
The euphoric atmosphere verges on chaos at times, but the cacophony of colour and crowds is as overwhelming as it is enthralling. An assault to the senses, all in good Faith!
A guided visit offered by Grass Routes Journeys
Grass Routes offers special power-packed festival tours that capture the extraordinary essence of the Rath Yatra. Additional day trips and festival tickets offering a privledged bird’s eye view can be arranged through our Travellers Hub in Puri or by contacting us.
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