Amazing facts about "Car Festival" of Puri.

The Car Festival of Puri, also known as Ratha Yatra, is a vibrant and spiritually significant event in Odisha, India. Celebrated annually, it features the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra riding on grand chariots. The festival draws millions of devotees from around the world. The colossal chariots, intricately decorated and built anew each year, are pulled by thousands of devotees along the Grand Road. This tradition dates back over a thousand years, symbolizing the journey of the deities to their aunt’s temple. Unique to this event, non-Hindus are also allowed to see the deities, fostering a spirit of inclusiveness. The festival emphasizes communal harmony, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.