Zatra

Zatra
Observed by	Hinduism
Type	Hindu
Observances	Deity Procession
Date	October - March
Frequency	annual
Related to	Diwali

Zatra is the Konkani language term for the pilgrimage festivals celebrated at Hindu temples in Goa; the Hindi and Marathi language equivalents are Yatra and Jatra.

During the Zatra, the idol(s) or murtis of the Hindu deity or deities are taken out on special procession either in a "Palkhi" (sort of a Palanquin) or in a large, multi-storied chariot called the Rath.

Traditionally, every temple observes this festival once a year on the traditional day. All zatras usually occur after Diwali in October and continues until the Shigmo festival in March.

The most famous Zatra of Goa is that of the temple of the Hindu deity Lairai at [Shirgao], a place located roughly 30 km away from Panaji when people walk on burning coals with bare legs and that of deity Goddess Shantadurga at Village Fatorpa in Quepem Taluka; approx 50 kms from Panaji and 18 kms from Madgao. These Zatras can be compared to Mela (Hindi) for its other commercial and entertainment activities.

Also occurring during the Zatra is the phenomenon of possession, usually but not exclusively of women, by the spirit of the deity; this is called Bhar, whereby they act as oracles and claim to predict future events.

Outside of Goa, the most famous Zatra is the Rath Yatra of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India, which contributed the word Juggernaut to the English language.