Rath Yatra is a visually stunning and spiritually grand Hindu festival where the sibling deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra—are taken out of their inner sanctums onto massive, intricately carved wooden chariots. While the grandest global event occurs in neighboring Puri (Odisha), Bengal observes it with magnificent fervor. It marks the joyous start of the monsoon festival season, filling the air with devotional chants.

History: The tradition traces its origins back thousands of years. It commemorates the annual, highly anticipated visit of Lord Jagannath to his birthplace and his aunt's serene abode (Gundicha Temple). In Bengal, the Rath Yatra of Mahesh in Serampore is historically monumental; recognized as the second oldest in India dating back to 1396, it was famously patronized by the great Bengali saint Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Significance: The act of pulling the chariot (Ratha) is considered highly auspicious and is believed to grant salvation. The day also marks the beginning of 'Pita Parbon' and the start of 'Jhulan Yatra' preparations.