West Bengal Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival)

When it comes to Rath (or Ratha) Yatra (Chariot Festival) the first thing that comes into mind is Puri, Orissa (Odissa). The towering raths (chariots) of Puri have almost become synonymous wit Ratha Yatra. But West Bengal, the neighbouring state of Orissa, also houses several Rath Yatra festivals, complete with towering raths.  Some of this rath yatras dates back a couple of centuries and attracts devotees from far and wide.

Mahesh Rath Yatra

Srerampur, Hooghly

Mahesh Rath, Mahesh, Srerampur, Hooghly

The most well known of the West Bengal Rath Yatra, the Mahesh Rath Yatra dates back to the 14th century AD. Started by Dhurbananda Bhramachari in 1300 AD the rath yatra operates to this day.

The present Rath was donated by Krishnaram Basu and was constructed by Martin Burn Co. The iron rath, with nine pinnacles, towers to a height of 50 feet and weighs 125 tons. Running on 12 wheels of diameter 4 feet the rath was made at a cost of Rs 20,000 and have been in operation since 1885.

Today this gigantic rath is pulled in a wild rampage, through crowded Grand Trunk (GT) Road under strict police supervision.

Approach: Train to Srerampur and auto to Mahesh or take the GT Road to Mahesh.

Time: Mahesh Rath Yatra starts at about 3 pm.

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Guptipara Rath Yatra

Guptipara, Hooghly

Guptipara Rath Yatra, Guptipara, Hooghly

Although Guptipara has the distinction of housing Bengal’s first public Durga Pujo but Durga Pujo is not Guptipara’s primary festival. When it comes to festival in Guptipara the first thing that comes into mind is Guptipara’s towering and colorful chariot. Being a Vaishnav centre Rath Yaytra (Chariot Festival) is major festival and prime attraction.

The gigantic nine pinnacled rath is decorated with coloured festoons and banners and is fitted with wooden horses and several wooden statues. The multi wheeled rath is pulled by four thick ropes, out which one is reserved for women. A rope at the back serves as a brake. The rath is pulled through muddy & slushy ground in a wild rampage and it seems a miracle that the event goes on without a stampede. The event is heavily monitored by the police who clear the crowed to make way for the rath.

Approach: Take train to Guptipara (Howrah – Katwa line). Rickshaw to temple.

Time: The Guptipara Rath Yatra takes place in two phases. The first starts at about 10 am and second at 3 pm.

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Mahishadal Rath Yatra

Mahishadal, East Midinapur

Mahishadal Rath, Mahishadal, East Midnapur

Although lesser known than its counter part of Mahesh & Guptipara Mahishadal, in East Midnapur, has the distinction of having the tallest wooden Rath in the world. The 70 feet (aprox.) high rath is 13 pinnacled and is richly decorated with colourfull wooden horses and statues.  Started by Rani Janaki Devi in 1776 the chariot has undergone several changes but its main structure have remained the same for the last 236 years.

Gun shots announces the start of the rath yatra and the shots continue through out the entire course of the journey. The local raja (king) Haraprasad Garg accompanies the rath in a palki (palanquin). The rath is pulled by 4 thick ropes out of which one is reserved for women. The rath is pulled through muddy & slushy ground in a wild rampage and it seems a miracle that the event goes on without a stampede.

Approach: Bus to Nurpur. Cross ferry to Geokhali. Bus to Mahishadal. For the return journey it is best to take the Haldia local from Satish Samanta Halt (6:01 pm)

Time: Mahishadal Rath Yatra starts at 3 pm.

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Rajbalhat Rath Yatra

Jangipara, Hooghly

Rajbalhat Rath Yatra, Rajbalhat, Hooghly

Although not considered as one of the leading Rath Yatras of West Bengal Rajbalhat features a unique rath yatra. Rajbalhat, famous for textile, has a unique rath yatra. The rath does not carry the idols of Jagannath, Balaram & Subhadra but instead carries the idols of Radha – Krishna. Also the rath is not pulled by ropes but by iron chains.

The nine pinnacled rath once had brass pinnacles but sadly they have been stolen and are replaced by cheaper metal. The towering colourfull rath runs on 12 gigantic metal wheels and the rath is pulled in a wild rampage through the slushy ground in front of the Rajbalhat High School.

The distance covered has largely been reduced after an accident in 2011, when one of the devotee was crushed to death under the wheels of the rath.

Approach: Tarakeshwar Local to Haripal. Bus / trekker to Rajbalhat.

Time: The Rath Yatra starts at about 5:30 pm.

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Jadu Ghosh er Rath

Chandannagar, Hooghly

Jadu Ghosh er Rath, Chandannagar

This is one of the towering raths of West Bengal. Started by rice merchant Jadabendu Ghosh the rath operates between Lakshmiganj and Taldanga More in Chandannagar.

Popularly known as Jadu Ghish er rath it probaly started in 1774 (some sources say 1798). The present iron chariot with 14 wheels was constructed in 1962 by Braithwet & Co. Ltd.

The gigantic rath, with nine pinnacles, is pulled through a very narrow stretch of the G T Road. The road is so narrow that it is often pulled back to set it in the right course.

Approach: Chandanagar, for Taldanga Chchura staion is a better option
Time: Starts at 3:00 pm

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Note: The blog entry West Bengal Rath Yatra, presently consisting of entries on Mahesh, Guptipara, Mahishadal Rajbalhat and Chandannagar (Jadu Ghosh) is a compilation of Rath Yatras of West Bengal. It would be updated from time to time.