Tarapith Rath Yatra
| Tarapith Rath Yatra | |
|---|---|
| Type | Hindu religious festival |
| Observed by | Hindus in West Bengal |
| Date (2025) | June 27 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Significance | Chariot procession of Goddess Tara |
| Related to | Rath Yatra, Tarapith, Shaktism |
Tarapith Rath Yatra (Bengali: তারাপীঠ রথযাত্রা) is a Hindu religious festival observed annually at the Tarapith temple in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. It is held on the same day as the Rath Yatra in Puri, usually in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July). On this day, the idol of Tara Devi is placed on a chariot and pulled around the temple complex in a procession.
Overview
[edit]Tarapith is a Shakti Peetha and one of the most important centers of Shakta worship in Bengal. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara. The Rath Yatra at Tarapith is an adaptation of the Puri Rath Yatra, and it marks a major religious occasion for devotees from Bengal and neighboring states. In Shaktism philosophy, Jagannath is considered same as Kali. This shows the harmony between Vaishnavas and Shaktas. [1]
History
[edit]The exact origins of the Tarapith Rath Yatra are not clearly documented. However, according to local tradition and oral histories, the ritual may have begun over 200 years ago, possibly under the guidance of early tantric practitioners like Sadhak Anandanath. The temple became even more popular during the time of Bamakhepa, a renowned 19th-century saint who practiced tantra in Tarapith.
Rituals
[edit]On the day of the festival, the idol of Maa Tara is adorned with red garments, garlands, and vermilion. A special chariot is prepared for the occasion. The idol is placed on the chariot and is pulled around the temple premises in a clockwise direction.
Thousands of devotees gather to witness the procession. Many touch the chariot ropes and walk along with the procession while chanting hymns and prayers. The chariot does not leave the temple premises; instead, it circles the sanctified area, symbolizing the goddess’s presence among her devotees.
Public Participation
[edit]Devotees from across Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar visit Tarapith during the Rath Yatra. Local stalls sell flowers, sweets, and devotional items. Volunteers help manage the crowd, and the local administration often arranges for security and health services.
The day is marked by the distribution of prasad usually sweets, fruits, and puffed rice. Devotees consider this food sacred and believe it carries blessings from the goddess.
Media Coverage
[edit]The Tarapith Rath Yatra receives regional media attention every year. Bengali news channel ABP Ananda reported in 2025 that the festival took place on June 27, with large crowds and full ceremonial observance.[2]
News reports also showed that devotees chanted "জয় মা তারা!" while the chariot was being pulled around the temple. Temple authorities confirmed that the event was carried out with full traditional rituals under security arrangements.[3]
According to Sangbad Pratidin, devotees waited in long queues from early morning to get a glimpse of Maa Tara on the rath. Many offered red hibiscus flowers, sweets, and sindoor as part of their vows.[4]
Significance
[edit]While it is smaller in scale compared to the Puri Rath Yatra, the Tarapith version holds deep emotional and religious importance for the Shakta community. The act of pulling the goddess’s chariot is considered an opportunity to receive direct blessings. Many consider it an especially auspicious day to offer prayers, fulfill vows, and seek divine protection.
Comparison with Puri Rath Yatra
[edit]Unlike the Puri Rath Yatra involves multiple chariots and a journey to the Gundicha Temple, the Tarapith Rath Yatra is more symbolic. It features only the main idol of Maa Tara and is limited to a circumambulation of the temple premises. However, both share the common idea of bringing the deity outside the sanctum to bless the general public.
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ https://zeenews.india.com/bengali/state/ma-tara-of-tarapith -today-on-the-day-of-ratha-yatra-becomes-jagannath -herself-an-extraordinary-rituals-odserved_529311.html
- ^ "তারাপীঠে রথযাত্রা: মা নিজেই চড়েন রথে". ABP Ananda Bengali (in Bengali). Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ "Tarapith: রথযাত্রায় মা তারার মহাযাত্রা! রথ টেনে উচ্ছ্বসিত তারাপীঠ". Zee 24 Ghanta Bengali (in Bengali). Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ "Tarapith Rath Yatra: তারাপীঠে মা তারার রথযাত্রা, হাজার হাজার ভক্তের ঢল". Sangbad Pratidin (in Bengali). Retrieved 28 June 2025.