Puri Rath Yatra: All You Need to Know

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than a religious procession—it’s a cultural epic. Every year in Puri, Odisha, lakhs of devotees gather to witness the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra as they ride colossal chariots to the Gundicha Temple. If you're planning to experience this spiritual spectacle in 2025, here’s your complete guide.

Key Dates for Rath Yatra 2025

• Snana Purnima (Ceremonial Bathing): June 12
• Anavasara (Period of Rest): June 13–26
• Gundicha Marjana (Temple Cleaning): June 26
• Rath Yatra (Main Procession): June 27
• Hera Panchami: July 1
• Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): July 4
• Suna Besha (Golden Attire of Deities): July 5
• Niladri Bijay (Re-entry to Main Temple): July 5

What Is the Jagannath Rath Yatra?

Held annually during the month of Ashadha (June–July), the Rath Yatra marks the symbolic journey of the deities to their maternal aunt’s home—the Gundicha Temple—before returning to the main temple. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, open to all, regardless of caste, creed, or nationality.

Jagannath Is Ready to Roll 

Did you know that the word ‘’ Juggernaut’’ found its place in the English Dictionary after being derived from the gargantuan chariot of Lord Jagannath? The remarkably episodic Rath Yatra is one that we read in history books and has been in the records of the Vedas, dating back thousands of years. The preparation of this annual festival starts way before the actual celebration. Every year, hundreds of artisans gather at Puri to craft gigantic chariots with full zeal and enthusiasm.

The Rituals Begin with Snana Purnima

The Yatra kicks off with Snana Purnima, when the deities are brought out for a rare public viewing and bathed with 108 pots of holy water. After this, they enter Anavasara, a 15-day period of seclusion, said to be for healing and rejuvenation.

The Chariots: Engineering and Symbolism

Each deity travels in a distinct, hand-crafted wooden chariot:

• Nandighosha (Jagannath): 18 wheels
• Taladhwaja (Balabhadra): 16 wheels
• Darpadalana (Subhadra): 14 wheels

These towering structures are rebuilt every year by skilled artisans using traditional methods passed down over generations.

Learn What the Mythology Say  

There are numerous folklores associated with the Jagannath Rath Yatra. According to the legends, it is said that the Rath Yatra is symbolic of the journey of Lord Jagannath or Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) with his siblings Balabhadra or Balaram and Subhadra to Mathura to slay Kansa his devious uncle. Other mythical stories say that this celebration is based on the yearning of Lord Krishna to visit his birthplace Gundicha Gharis once a year for seven days. So every year, he along with his siblings steps out of the Jagannath Temple to make his way to Gundicha Temple.

The Procession: Unity in Motion

On June 27, the deities will be pulled along Bada Danda (Grand Road) by thousands of devotees in a deeply symbolic act of devotion. The energy is unmatched—chants, drums, cymbals, and a sea of people united in purpose.

Apart from the countless rituals that are duly performed, ‘chhenra panhara’ is one of the popular rituals. A member from the Royal Family of Puri performs this ritual which calls for the king to sweep the chariot with a broom while the servitors sprinkle flower petals and water. The chariots are swept with a golden broom humbly by the king, signifying that everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord.

Return Journey and Suna Besha

The deities remain at the Gundicha Temple for nine days. On reaching Gundicha Temple, the deities spend over 9 days at the temple, after which, on the 10th day, they are set out for Bahuda Yatra, the journey of home-coming. On July 4, they make their return trip—Bahuda Yatra. The next day, they appear in dazzling gold ornaments during Suna Besha, a crowd favourite.

The deities remain at the Gundicha Temple for nine days. On reaching Gundicha Temple, the deities spend over 9 days at the temple, after which, on the 10th day, they are set out for Bahuda Yatra, the journey of home-coming. On July 4, they make their return trip—Bahuda Yatra. The next day, they appear in dazzling gold ornaments during Suna Besha, a crowd favourite.

Thousands of devotees swell in and out over 10 days, pulling the three chariots until they return to the Jagannath temple.

On their return, the trio stays inside the chariots for another two days. Suna Besha, decorating the deities with gold jewellery and Adhar Pana, preparing sugary drinks for the gods, both of these rituals are religiously carried out.

It is the 12th day when Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken back inside the temple premises. Niladri Bije, when deities are offered rasagulla bhog, is the ritual that concludes the Puri Rath Yatra one of the greatest spectacles to watch on planet earth.

How to Get to Puri

• By Air: Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (56 km away).
• By Train: Puri is a major rail hub connected to all major Indian cities.
• By Road: Regular buses and taxis run from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other nearby cities.

Places to Visit in and Around Puri

• Jagannath Temple
• Puri Beach
• Markandeswara Temple
• Narendra Tank
• Chilika Lake
• Pipili (famous for appliqué art)
• Sakshi Gopal Temple

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a journey of the gods—it’s a spiritual reset for millions. Whether you're joining in person or tuning in from afar, this celebration of faith, community, and tradition is a sight to behold.