Purna Yatra/Kanglen

Ratha Yatra and Purna Yatra are both significant Hindu religious observances, but they refer to different concepts.

Ratha Yatra:

• Ratha Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is a major Hindu festival primarily celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha, as well as in other parts of India and around the world.
• It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, and commemorates his annual journey from the Jagannath Temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple, located about 3 kilometers away.
• The festival involves the ceremonial procession of the deities’ chariots, known as Nandighosa (for Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra), and Devadalana (for Devi Subhadra), through the streets of Puri, accompanied by thousands of devotees.
• Ratha Yatra symbolizes the journey of the divine siblings from their temple abode to their aunt’s temple, where they stay for a period of nine days.

Purna Yatra:

• “Purna Yatra” is not a widely recognized term in Hindu religious practice. However, based on the Sanskrit words “Purna” meaning complete or full and “Yatra” meaning journey or pilgrimage, it could be interpreted to refer to a full or complete pilgrimage.
• In Hinduism, pilgrimage holds great significance, and there are numerous sacred sites across India that devotees visit as part of their spiritual journey. These pilgrimages can vary in duration, distance, and rituals performed.
• A “Purna Yatra” could therefore be understood as a pilgrimage where devotees undertake a comprehensive journey to visit multiple sacred sites, complete all prescribed rituals, and seek spiritual fulfillment.

In summary, Ratha Yatra is a specific festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath and involves the ceremonial procession of chariots, while “Purna Yatra” could refer to a full pilgrimage encompassing various sacred sites and rituals.