The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Jagannath Puri Yatra or the Festival of Chariots, stands as one of India’s most revered and grandest spiritual events. Celebrated every year in Puri, Odisha, this iconic festival honors Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, alongside his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.
The Yatra is observed on Dwitiya Tithi, the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month in the Hindu lunar calendar, which typically falls in June or July according to the Gregorian calendar.
When Does Rath Yatra Begin?
This year’s Jagannath Rath Yatra, also called the Festival of Chariots, takes place on June 27, 2025, according to Drik Panchang. Based on Dwitiya Tithi, the divine procession runs from June 26 (1:24 PM) to June 27 (11:19 AM). The festival began officially on June 12, with Snana Purnima, where the deities undergo a ceremonial bath, followed by the Anavasara period (June 13-26), when the deities remain hidden for recuperation.
What Makes This Festival So Powerful?
The Rath Yatra honors Lord Jagannath (Vishnu), his elder brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. The event symbolises the journey of the divine, from the temple sanctum (heaven) to the streets (earth), inviting all devotees to be part of the spiritual celebration.
1. Chariots: Nandighosha (16 wheels), Taladhwaja (14 wheels), and Darpadalan (12 wheels) are pulled through town.
2. Symbolism: Everyone gets an equal chance to touch the rope, symbolising divine equality.
3. Chhera Panhara: The King of Puri personally sweeps the chariot path, reminding us that no one is higher than God.
The parade of the three sacred chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra, and their sister Subhadra is one of the most significant parts of the ritual. The chariots are beautifully executed, and guests are drawn in by their vibrant colors, complex decorations, and designs. Additionally, rangolis, lights, and flowers are used to decorate the temples, giving the celebration a mystical feel.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a national holiday in Odisha that brings people from all around the state together to honour Lord Jagannath.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: History
Every god has a chariot for the trip. Goddess Subhadra’s Darpadalan has twelve wheels, Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja has fourteen, and Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha has sixteen. The sight of these enormous wooden carriages being pulled by devotees through Puri’s alleys is breathtaking.
The celebration is full of customs and ceremonies. Goddess Lakshmi goes to the Gundicha temple on the fourth day, which is called Hera Panchami, to look for Lord Jagannath. On the eighth day is the return trip, known as the Bahuda Yatra.
One of the greatest examples of Kalinga architecture is the present Jagannath temple at Puri, which dates back to the 12th century. Every year, more people attend the Rath Yatra ritual, which has been honored for decades. The celebration used to draw between 400,000 and 500,000 pilgrims a year.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Rituals & Schedule Guide
| Date | Ritual Activity |
|---|---|
| June 12 | Snana Purnima – Sacred bathing of the deities |
| June 13–26 | Anavasara – Deities stay in seclusion |
| June 26, 1:24 PM | Dwitiya Tithi begins |
| June 27 | Rath Yatra Day – Chariot festival & procession |
| Day after Yatra | Hera Panchami – Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha |
| ~7 days later | Bahuda Yatra – Deities return (Rath Disassembly) |
► Rath Pratistha: Chariots are consecrated with mantras before the procession.
► Millions Gather: The air fills with chants, rhythmic drums, and oceanic devotion.
► End of Journey: Deities rest, chariots are dismantled, and the streets anticipate next year.
Why You Should Be There, or Tune In
1. Devotion and Democracy: Pulling the chariot is seen as a spiritual equalizer—anyone can join and be blessed.
2. Cultural Spectacle: Colours, chants, architecture, the festival is a feast for the senses.
3. Global Spirituality: People worldwide follow, attend, and livestream the Yatra. It’s more than a festival, it’s a universal movement.
Each of the fascinating ceremonies that make up the Jagannath Rath Yatra is rich in tradition and symbolism. The deities are purified before the voyage with a ritual bath (Rath Snana) that involves 108 pots of scented water and sacred objects the day before the main procession. The Rath Pratistha, or Consecration of the Chariots, comes next, during which priests bless and recite mantras on the freshly constructed chariots, turning them into vessels for the heavenly trip.
The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Procession, marks the culmination of the Yatra. As thousands of worshippers draw the magnificent chariots in the direction of the Gundicha Temple, they fill the streets with chants and energy. Devotees can come here to seek the blessings of the deities who stay for nine days. Following this journey, the gods return to the Jagannath Temple in a similar procession that is replete with festive celebrations, known as the Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey). With the disassembly of the chariots at Niladri Vijaya, the Yatra comes to an end and signifies the end of the holy journey with the promise of its revival in the next year.
Rath Yatra 2025 promises an extraordinary blend of mythology, architecture, spirituality, and inclusivity. Whether you’re physically present in Puri or watching from afar, the essence of this age-old ritual continues to resonate across hearts. June 27 isn’t just a date; it’s an expression of devotion, unity, and eternal hope.
(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
