Chariot Festival or Car festival.
This is one of the most awaited Hindu festivals of the state as well as in the country. The celebration of this day starts much earlier on the auspicious day of Askhay Tritiya in the month of Baishakhi (April) that comprises the construction and decoration of the Raths)Chariot by numerous selected devotees & volunteers. The three chariots that are the highlights of the entire Yatra are pulled by strings in the presence of thousands devotees. The chariot of Lord Jagannath which is 45 feet high, comprises 16 wheels and is referred to as ‘Nandi Ghosa’. Balabhadra’s chariot is made 45.6 feet high with 14 wheels called ‘Tala Dhwaja’. The chariot of Subhadra known as ‘Dev Dalana’ has 12 wheels and is 44.6 feet high, brought to the Gundicha temple, “An Aunty’s Home” where the deities stay for 7 days and make their return journey on the ninth day, known as “Bahuda Yatra”.
At night, the three chariots arrive at the main temple. The next day, the three deities are dressed in scintillating dresses adorned with gold and other ornaments known as “Suna Vesha” adored by millions of devotees.The next morning, the three deities return to their original temple location. Their arrival at the sanctum sanctorum marks the end of the Ratha Yatra / Car festival
As per legends, it is believed that it is on Ratha Yatra in the Dwapara Yuga Lord Krishna started His journey to Mathura along with His brother Balarama for the wrestling match on being invited by His maternal uncle Kamsa.