RATHYATRA
Ratha Yatra or Ratha Jatra or Chariot Festival is a festival that involves moving deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana on a chariot (called a ratha or rotho), this is one of the most awaited Hindu festivals. The celebration of this day starts much earlier that comprises the construction and decoration of the Raths or Chariot by numerous devotees & volunteers. The custom showcases that in the eyes of Lord Jagannath every devotee is equal be it the king or a commoner. The ropes of the huge chariots are pulled by millions of devotees. The local king used to serve by humbly sweeping the road ahead with a golden broom. In the ancient times, devotees would occasionally throw themselves in front of the chariot of Sri Jagananath, for it was believed that to be crushed to death under its sixteen wheels was to go straight to heaven.
http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/6937871/
prodiptamaulik 