The Lord of the Universe, Lord Jagannath is widely worshiped and celebrated by a large number of devotees across the world. His blessings spread arv received by a large number of devotees, which imparts them peace and prosperity!
Uniqueness Of Jagannath Cult
Embraced by millions worldwide, the Jagannath cult transcends borders and embodies the uniqueness of Sanatana Dharma. Did you know that while India constitutes a large number of Jagannath devotees, there are several other nations across the world, where the influence of Jagannath cult can be seen?
The fascinating cult of Jagannath has blossomed into a global phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions, and has gained followers far beyond the shores of Odisha, India. From the United States to Southeast Asia, devotees unite with joy and dedication, with Rath Yatra being the major uniting factor across continents. With each passing year, it expands its horizons far and wide, with new followers embracing the divine presence of the Lord in their lives. The enriching traditions and rituals associated with Lord Jagannath are fulfilling and soul satisfying for all who come and become a part of this journey of self realisation.
Rath Yatra: A celebration of Devotion, Divinity and Togetherness
While Lord Jagannath receives a deluge of prayers from his devotees every day, Rath Yatra is one such festival, when the sense of spirituality is heightened. Amidst the fervour of Akshaya Tritiya, the sacred city of Puri comes alive in anticipation of Rath Yatra.
Akshaya Tritiya, a festival to invite good fortune, coincides with Chandan Yatra, another auspicious festival of Odisha which also marks the day when construction of the chariots begins. The three chariots are crafted from organic neem wood. They carry the holy Trinity- Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on the auspicious day of Rath Yatra which this year falls on July 7th, 2024.
The idols are adorned with sandalwood paste mixed with other fragrant substances applied to them to keep them cool during the hot summer months. Also known as the Sandalwood voyage, Lord Jagannath and five Shivalingas known as the Pancha Pandava are taken in a procession from the Singhadwara to the Narendra Tirtha tank for the bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath in Puri.This is followed by the Snana Yatra, in which the Lords partake in a ceremonial bath, heralding their imminent departure for Rath Yatra.
On the day of celebration, millions gather to pull the magnificent chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. Amidst chants and offerings, the deities begin their journey to the Gundicha Temple, pausing at Mausi Maa Temple to savor their favorite delicacies. The sight of lakhs of devotees chanting 'Jai Jagannath' in unison sparks unfathomable emotions within, sometimes evoking tears in the eyes of the spectators.
Dhokra: The Craft That Shapes Odisha's Heritage
In the heartland of Lord Jagannath's abode, is an art gifted to Odisha by Lord himself! It shapes Odisha's legacy and is a testament to the state's rich heritage of craftsmanship. Apart from Silver Filigree, Applique work, and Pattachitra, Dhokra art is a gift to Odias which captures the attention of art lovers worldwide.
While the age-old art has a strong hold over the eastern belts of India, such as West Bengal and Jharkhand, Odisha has had a pivotal share in making it popular. Dhokra artisans from Dhenkanal breathe life into molten wax, sculpting masterpieces inspired by tribal motifs. At Sadeibareni and Navjeevanpur, located in Dhenkanal, the art of Dhokra thrives as a timeless tribute to tribal craftsmanship and ingenuity. Both men and women take an active part in bringing our traditional art into the limelight. While women fetch firewood from the forest, men dedicate their time to crafting the Dhokra pieces.
If you ever plan to visit Dhenkanal, you do enjoy the rich experience exploring Odisha's hidden beauty and getting to know more about the Dhokra art!
The dhokra masterpieces of Odisha are often inspired by the tribal art. Every masterpiece reflects the beauty of tribal craftsmanship in it, be it decor, utility, or even jewelry, everything has a tribal touch to it. Whenever you see a Dhokra figurine, it reflects the essence of tribal beliefs and thoughts in some way or the other. Our artisans undoubtedly display the highest form of craftsmanship!
Rath Yatra Special- Adding the Dhokra Splendour to Your Home:
Rath Yatra is just a month away, and we are here to make your celebrations joyous in advance. In our next series of blogs on Rath Yatra, we will introduce you to our exclusive products reflecting the rich Jagannath culture. Explore our website www.dhokrahandicrafts.com for these divine products and bring home a piece of Lord’s aashirwaad. His blessings for sure will fill your home with positivity and peaceful vibes!
Our products are also available on Amazon nd Meesho.
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