Dharakote : Only Place In Odisha Where Princess Perform Rituals of Rath Yatra

Puri Rath Yatra is special because it is believed and proved too that without King's presence and until he has swiped and cleaned Lord Jagannath's chariot before the start of Rath Yatra, chariot will not move from its position and it is proved in earlier days.

Similarly there is a place in Ganjam district of Odisha state known as Dharakote not a King but a princess of Dharakote perform rituals of Rath Yatra.

It is getting followed from last 3-4 years after King's death in 2012 with official announcement. 

  






























This is 800 years old festival which still people execute with their open heart and do obey every instructions, their king give during the Rath Yatra time.

Since it is the duty of King to perform the rituals of Rath Yatra, Sulakhyana Devi, the princess, who assumed the throne at the age of 14 years, after the death of her father Kishor Singhdeo in 2010, took this responsibility and performing this since then.

Moreover, people of this place greet her as King only and take part to properly complete this holy Yatra. They give their full support and are very happy to see their king ( princess).

Here return journey which we called as Bahuda Yatra ( Return Journey of Lord Jagannath with this brother and sister) is performed in Ekadasi((day after Puri Yatra).

In this democracy, this is only time once in a year and one day when a we all see King performing his duty and where all people support him during this whole holy Yatra..

Why This Rath Yatra Is Performed During Ekadasi ?

Earlier days when the king of Dharakote returns from Puri Yatra, they carry out this Rath Yatra in their place. Hence it is performed just after the Bahuda Jatra of Puri Rath Yatra After death of King - Princess do perform

People wait excitedly to see their king and only after his permission, all 3 chariots are pulled.

Hence it is special and different from rest Puri Yatra.

Also watch the video here : 

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