Jagannath Rath Yatra - Puri

Puri is transformed as three huge elaborately decorated chariots representing Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama and their sister Subhadra are pulled through the streets to the Gundicha Temple.

Puri is one of the region's most important festivals and a particularly interesting festival for non-Hindus, as this is the only time in the whole year that they are granted access and get a glimpse of these sacred deities. The chariots made by attendees are accompanied by huge processions, with people playing devotional songs with drums, tambourines and trumpets as they go. Like most Indian festivals, it’s a loud, colourful, crowded and wonderfully joyous affair.