Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a significant cultural and religious event celebrated with great enthusiasm in West Bengal, particularly in the town of Mahesh in Hooghly district. This festival, which dates back to the 14th century, honours Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.
The festival involves the grand procession of intricately decorated chariots carrying the idols of these deities. Devotees from across the region gather to pull the chariots, believing it to be a highly auspicious act. The main event takes place on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June-July).
The Rath Yatra of Mahesh is renowned for being the oldest and most magnificent in West Bengal, attracting large crowds and vibrant celebrations. The deities are taken from the Jagannath temple to their aunt's house (Gundicha Temple), where they stay for a week before returning, marking the end of the festival with Bahuda Yatra.
The festival not only highlights religious devotion but also showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region through various traditional performances, fairs, and community feasts. Rath Yatra is a time of joy, unity, and spiritual renewal, making it a must-experience event for cultural enthusiasts.