Ratha Jatra (The game of Kang)

RATHA JATRA

The ‘Rath Jatra’ constitutes a major occasion in the annually organized religious calender of the people of Manipur.

The ‘Rath Jatra’ is observed for 10 days by the Hindus living in Manipur.

The ‘Rath Jatra’ festival is celebrated in the month of Ingen (June/July).

The composite phrase ‘Rath Jatra’ is constituted with the two Sanskrit words ‘Rath’ and ‘Jatra’.

The word ‘rath’ refers to the specially built ‘altar or palanquin or vehicle’.

The expression ‘jatra’ points to the ‘Journey of the holy altar or palanquin or vehicle carrying the three altars of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra.

The rath or chariot is elaborately designed and well lighted.

The rath jatra passes through the main thoroughfares of the towns. The devotees devotedly pull the chariot having the three idols of Lord Jaganath, his brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra.

The popular belief is that any one fortunate enough to pull the chariot or catch a glimpse of the Lord during this time is a recipient of the blessings from Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings.