Ratha Yatra in India (01/07)

Ratha Yatra (literally — «parade of chariots») — is an annual religious holiday of taking the God Jagannath, one of the forms of Krishna-Vishnu, out of the temple on a giant chariot. The holiday is celebrated in the month of Ashadha (June-July). The main holiday destination is the Jagannath Temple in the city of Pura, located near Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa.

Ratha Yatra symbolizes the journey of God Krishna from Gokul to Mathura.

According to legend, God Jagannath once expressed his desire to visit his birthplace «Gundicha Ghar» every year.

According to another legend, his sister Subhadra wanted to visit Dwaraka, her parents' house, so her two brothers Jagannath and Balarama took her there on that day. According to the «Bhagavata Purana», on this day Krishna and Balarama went to Mathura at the invitation of King Kansa to participate in the competition.

On the day of celebration, three huge chariots, one yellow and two — blue, stop in front of the temple, and then the statues of Jagannath, his brother Balarama and sister Subhadra are placed in their respective chariots. Hundreds of people harness themselves to chariots and carry them across the city.

The chariots of the deities are followed by smaller chariots, special platforms with pilgrims, acrobats and gymnasts. More than 200 thousand people usually gather for the holiday.

2312