Puri – Of Gods, Festivals and a Rich Cultural Heritage

It is believed that the Hindu Char Dham Yatra is incomplete without visiting the holy city of Puri. An important cultural hub in the Eastern India’s state of Odisha, Puri is home to the most celebrated and popular temple of Lord Jagannath. The city of Puri witnesses a marvelous spectacle of the Rath Yatra annually and the number of people that pour in from around the country to witness this event is just another wonder. Take a holy trip to this wondrous city once in a lifetime.

How to Reach?

By Air: Since Puri does not have its own airport, the most preferred airport is the Bhubaneshwar Airport, which is some 53 km away from Puri. Take a taxi or bus to reach the city of Puri from the airport.

By Rail: Puri’s very own Puri Railway Station has daily trains plying to the major cities of the country.

Accommodation

Since Puri has a massive amount of pilgrims and tourists visiting the city every year, the hotels in Puri are in abundance. Whether it is a swanky five star hotel, a posh resort, a budget inn, or a guesthouse, Puri has them all with appropriate facilities. Look for the right pick, preferring the ones that are in close proximity to the major attractions of the city.

Important Spots

The temple of Lord Jagannath, which has been raided more than 18 times by Hindu and Muslim rulers in the past, is the center of Puri’s cultural, social, and economic facet. The economy of Puri is dependent 80% on tourism which flows in maximum during the Rath Yatra festival at the Jagannath Temple. Built in Kalinga style of architecture with five chariots type of structure, the temple of Jagannath attracts devotees from across the country and abroad.

Another important landmark is the Pancha Tirtha, or the five bathing spots that complete the pilgrimage in Puri. The five spots – The Indradyumana Tank, The Rohini Kund, The Markandeya Tank, The Shwetganga Tank, and the Mahodadhi are important pilgrimage points.

The other two important spots are the Swargadwara and the Gundicha Temple, or the Garden House of Jagannath. These two are worth a visit and hold religious importance in Puri.

Rath Yatra

Rathyatra is the grandest festivals held in Puri, which is celebrated during the months of June or July every year at the Jagannath Temple. The massive chariots in temple like structures which are pulled throughout the streets by ropes by millions of people from across the country and world, make for an awe-inspiring spectacle. The Rath Yatra 2016 will be held from 5th to 6th July’ 2016. Make a note of this!

Other Cultural Aspects

Apart from the religious aspect, Puri is endowed with a rich cultural heritage. The Sand Art, Applique Art, Odissi Dance, and the Puri Beach Festival, all form an inevitable part of the heritage of Puri. These aspects are of utmost importance and one should experience these when visiting Puri.

So plan the trip to Puri according to the festival season in Puri so that the grandeur of this city can be seen and experienced in full swing. Go ahead, browse through the hotels in puri, book, and enjoy this religious escapade.

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