Jagannath Rath Yatra Puri
What is Rath Yatra?
Rath Yatra is a ceremonial procession of the deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is supposedly the place of their aunt. The deities travel in three gigantic, beautifully carved, wooden chariots known as raths, which are dragged by thousands of devotees. This practice of dragging the chariots is very divine and is said to bring positive results. It is said that one who gets a chance to watch the deities on the chariots during this journey will have his/her sins forgiven and will receive blessings.
History and Origins
A thousand years ago, Rath Yatra is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana. It began as a ritual to honor Lord Jagannatha’s visit to his birthplace and has grown into a global symbol of devotion and unity.
Significance
Ratha Yatra embodies the principle of oneness as everyone, irrespective of caste or creed, pitches in to pull the holy carts, thus identifying with the divine. This also displays the cultural arrogance of Odisha through music, dance, and rituals. The festival, further, demonstrates the Lord’s grace, as he comes out of the temple to offer darshan to everyone including those who cannot enter the temple.
How It Is Celebrated
- Chariot Procession: Gigantic wooden chariots of the deities are pulled by devotees through the streets of Puri, From Jagannath temple to Gundicha Temple.
- Key Rituals: The festival begins with Snana Purnima, followed by the deities’ seclusion (Anasara), the sweeping ritual (Chhera Pahanra), and the grand chariot procession.
- Return Journey: After a nine-day stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities return to the Jagannatha Temple during Bahuda Yatra.

Key Highlights of Ratha Yatra
1. The Chariots
- Nandighosa (Lord Jagannatha): 45 feet tall, 16 wheels.
- Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra): 44 feet tall, 14 wheels.
- Darpadalana (Devi Subhadra): 43 feet tall, 12 wheels.
Each chariot is intricately decorated with vibrant fabrics, wood carvings, and paintings, prepared anew every year.
2. Rituals and Events
- Snana Purnima: The deities are bathed in 108 pots of water, marking the beginning of the Ratha Yatra preparations.
- Anasara Period: The deities remain secluded for 15 days for rest and recovery.
- Chhera Pahanra: The ceremonial sweeping of the chariots by the King of Puri with a golden broom, symbolizing humility and devotion.
- Bahuda Yatra: The return journey of the deities to the Jagannatha Temple after a nine-day stay at the Gundicha Temple.
3. Devotional Singing and Dancing
Throughout the procession, the streets come alive with kirtans, bhajans, and cultural performances. Devotees pull the chariots, believing it to be a sacred act of service.
Important Dates for Ratha Yatra
Akshya Tritiya (April 30, 2025): This ritual is the formal start of the Rath Yatra preparations. It is on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya that the construction of the chariots for the grand Rath Yatra festival in Puri is started. On this day, it is traditional to bring the first logs of wood to start making the enormous chariots for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
Snana Purnima (June 11, 2025): On this day, the deities are taken out from the temple and are given a ceremonial bath with 108 pots of holy water which are fetched from the Golden Well. In this event, the devotees can witness the deities. After the bath, the deities are put on some special costume called ‘Gaja Besha’, i.e. they dress up like elephants.
Anavasara (June 13 – 26, 2025): After Snana Purnima, the deities are placed in isolation for 15 days. It is said that they ‘catch cold’ after the bath and need to be taken care of and made to rest. This period is also a time when the temple is closed to the public and when special herbal treatments are provided to the deities.
Gundicha Marjana (June 26, 2025): On the day before the actual Rath Yatra, the Gundicha Temple is cleaned up and readied for the deities to occupy. This ritual is the way of cleansing the heart to receive the divine.
Rath Yatra (June 27, 2025): The main event! The deities are taken out in a big procession (Pahandi) and put on their chariots. Then, the grand procession begins. The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees along the Bada Danda, or the Grand Road, to the Gundicha Temple, which is approximately three kilometers. This act of pulling the chariots is said to erase sin and bring blessings. When the deities are on their chariots, the King of Puri performs the ‘Chhera Panhara’ ritual, in which he sweeps the chariot platforms with a golden broom. This means that God has no prejudice against anyone.
Hera Panchami (July 1, 2025): On the fifth day of the deities stay at Gundicha Temple, people believe that Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath, visits him. Hera Panchami is the tradition of Goddess Lakshmi’s search for her husband and a playful game between the representatives of the deities.
Sandhya Darshan (July 3, 2025): It is believed that the viewing of the deities at the Gundicha Temple in the evening is of supreme importance. According to the literature, it is as if one has seen the deities for ten years at the main temple if one has seen them at this temple.
Bahuda Yatra (July 5, 2025): The festival of carrying the deities from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple is known as Bahuda Yatra. The chariots are also stopped at the Mausi Maa Temple when they are on their way back and they receive ‘Poda Pitha,’ a kind of baked cake.
Suna Besha (July 6, 2025): The day after the festival of Bahuda Yatra, the deities are decorated with golden ornaments during the festival of Suna Besha. This is a magnificent scene, with the deities covered in gold.
Adhara Pana (July 7, 2025): Adhara Pana is a kind of sweet drink which is especially offered to Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra deities on their chariots during Rath Yatra. The drink, which is prepared from milk, cheese, sugar and spices, is prepared in large earthen pots and then served to the deities. After serving the drink, the pots are broken, meaning that everything is for everyone. This is an act of gratitude towards the deities and also the act of cutting the ego and egoistic attachments.
Niladri Bijay (July 8, 2025): This is the last event, which is the installation of the deities in the Jagannath Temple sanctum sanctorum. This is a final event of the festival, which means that the deities have returned to their proper place in the temple.
How to Participate
Devotees can join by pulling the chariots, offering prayers, or witnessing the festival from designated spots. Plan your visit early to experience the spiritual energy and vibrant atmosphere.
Interesting Facts About Ratha Yatra
- The festival dates back over 1,000 years and is mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana.
- The English word “juggernaut” is derived from the unstoppable force of Lord Jagannatha’s chariot.
- The chariots are constructed without using any nails, following traditional carpentry techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Jagannath Rath Yatra Puri 2025
1. What is the significance of Rath Yatra?
Rath Yatra is a ceremonial procession where Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are carried from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, symbolizing their journey to visit their aunt.
2. When is the Rath Yatra 2025?
The Rath Yatra 2025 will take place on June 27, 2025, with other key rituals before and after the main event.
3. What are the main rituals associated with Rath Yatra?
Key rituals include Akshya Tritiya, Snana Purnima, Anavasara, Rath Yatra, Hera Panchami, Sandhya Darshan, and Bahuda Yatra.
4. How long does the Rath Yatra last?
The Rath Yatra lasts over several days, beginning with Akshya Tritiya on April 30, 2025, and ending with Niladri Bijay on July 8, 2025.
5. Can I participate in the Rath Yatra procession?
Yes, thousands of devotees participate by pulling the chariots, an act believed to purify the soul and earn blessings.
6. What is the significance of the chariots in the Rath Yatra?
The chariots symbolize the transport of the deities and are carefully constructed with unique designs representing the different deities: Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosa, Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja, and Subhadra’s Darpadalana.
7. How can I plan my visit for Rath Yatra 2025?
Make travel and lodging arrangements in advance, as Puri will be crowded. Check the weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions for a safe experience.
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