Planning to attend Jagannath Rath Yatra this year? Here's how to plan a trip and all you need to know
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, a grand chariot festival in Puri, Odisha, involves the procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on massive wooden chariots. Thousands of devotees pull these chariots to the Gundicha Temple, followed by a return journey. Celebrations extend to other cities like Ahmedabad, with rituals and preparations underway, marking a festival steeped in history and tradition.
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Celebrations Across India
A Festival with History
The Three Grand Chariots
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Nandighosha for Jagannath (16 wheels)
Taladhwaja for Balabhadra (14 wheels)
Darpadalana for Subhadra (12 wheels)
The Procession
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Arrive early – Come 2–3 days before the event to get good accommodation.
Dress wisely – Wear light, modest clothes and stay hydrated in the summer heat (25–35 °C).
Where to watch – You can either book viewing gallery tickets for a calmer view or join the lively crowd along the chariot path.
Follow local customs – Respect religious practices and follow ritual timings.
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The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is the biggest chariot festival in the world. It takes place every year in June or July. During the festival, three idols—Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra—are taken out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on huge wooden chariots. These chariots are pulled by thousands of people through the streets of Puri to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away.After a week, the return journey, called Bahuda Yatra, brings the deities back to the main temple.The excitement isn't just in Puri. Other cities also celebrate. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the state's Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that lakhs of devotees take part in the Rath Yatra there too. The important Jal Yatra ritual (fetching holy water from the Sabarmati River) has already started. He also said all arrangements are being made for the Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, which will be held on June 27.Meanwhile, in Odisha, important rituals like Pahandi and Snana Utsav (ritual bathing) have already taken place.The Rath Yatra dates back to the 12th–16th centuries. Some believe it marks Lord Krishna's return to his birthplace, while others say it was started by King Indradyumna. The festival follows age-old traditions. First, the idols are bathed with 108 pots of water on Snana Purnima. Then, they rest in isolation (called Anavasara) as they are said to fall 'ill,' before coming out for the big procession.Each deity has a large wooden chariot:The chariots are made fresh each year from special wood and are decorated with colorful cloth. Over 1,200 meters of cloth is used, and the chariots are made using more than 600–800 wooden parts.A special moment in the festival is the Chera Pahara ritual , where the Gajapati King sweeps the area around the chariots with a golden broom, showing that everyone is equal before God.As the chariots move through the streets, people shout 'Jai Jagannath' and pull the ropes. It's believed that touching the ropes brings blessings and washes away sins. The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days. On the return trip, they stop at the Mausi Maa Temple to enjoy their favorite sweet—Poda Pitha, a traditional pancake. The festival ends with Niladri Bijaya, when the idols return to the main temple.The Odisha government has launched the Shree Jagannatha Dham app. It gives live updates, info on darshan queues, navigation, Mahaprasad availability, and a grievance portal. It's very helpful during the Rath Yatra.[With TOI inputs]
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Govt reviews preparations for Puri Rath Yatra
1 2 Bhubaneswar: A high-level ministerial committee, led by deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, conducted a comprehensive review of preparations for the June 27 Rath Yatra in Puri on Thursday, emphasizing the need to complete all preparatory work within the designated timeline. "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure this year's Rath Yatra is conducted smoothly and safely. Our focus is on providing a seamless experience for lakhs of devotees," Parida said. The committee, comprising law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, health minister Mukesh Mahaling, housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, held detailed discussions with officials from various departments and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. Key focus areas included deity rituals, pahandi arrangements, security, sanitation and VIP accommodation. The ministers highlighted the need to preserve the sanctity of tradition while ensuring public safety. During an inspection of the Puri district headquarters hospital, the committee addressed health concerns in view of recent diarrhoea cases. "Multiple medical teams will be deployed across the city, and additional beds have been arranged to handle any emergencies," said a health official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The govt has extended invitations to distinguished guests for the June 27 celebration. "We are honoured to invite the President, Prime Minister, Union ministers and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states to participate in this grand celebration," Parida said. Parida also shared details of the multi-layered security plan, including crowd control, traffic regulation, and the setting up of an integrated command and control centre. Transport minister Jena said, "Special arrangements have been made for parking and transportation. We are coordinating with railways to operate additional trains during the festival period." Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to visit Puri on June 22 for a final review of the festival arrangements.
India Today
2 days ago
- India Today
South East Central Railway starts special service for Jagannath devotees
To help thousands of devotees reach Puri during the grand Ratha Yatra festival, the South East Central Railway (SECR) has announced a special train service between Gondia (Maharashtra) and Khurda Road (Odisha).This new train is a thoughtful move to ensure a smooth and convenient journey for pilgrims travelling to seek the darshan of Lord Jagannath. The special service will operate five times in both directions between June 26 and July 7, DETAILS OF THE SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE:Train Number 08893 – Gondia to Khurda RoadThis special Rath Yatra train will depart from Gondia at 13:30 hrs on June 26, 28, 30, and July 2 and halts include:Dongargarh (14:30 hrs)Rajnandgaon (15:00 hrs)Durg (15:58 hrs)Raipur (17:05 hrs)Mandir Hasaud (18:55 hrs)It will reach Khurda Road the next morning at 08:45 Number 08894 – Khurda Road to GondiaThe return train will leave Khurda Road at 11:00 hrs on June 28, 29 and July 1, 3, and will reach Gondia at 04:15 hrs the following day with key halts at:Mandir Hasaud (22:30 hrs)Raipur (01:00 hrs)Durg (01:58 hrs)Rajnandgaon (02:23 hrs)Dongargarh (02:48 hrs)COACH COMPOSITION:The special train will consist of 18 coaches, offering a mix of classes to suit all types of passengers:2 AC 2-tier coaches1 AC 3-tier coach7 Sleeper class coaches6 General unreserved coaches2 SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rake) coachesMAJOR HALTS ALONG THE ROUTE:To ensure maximum coverage and convenience, the train will stop at major stations such as:Mahasamund, Bagbahra, Khariar Road, Nawapara Road, Harishankar Road, Kantabanji, Titlagarh, Balangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Bhubaneswar, and many thousands expected to travel for the Ratha Yatra this year, this dedicated train service will help ease travel pressures. It will especially benefit pilgrims from Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and nearby areas, providing a direct, safe, and comfortable route to Odisha. SECR's move reflects its commitment to supporting religious tourism and ensuring passengers can reach the sacred town of Puri with ease.
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Are You Ready For Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025? Exact Dates, Timings, Significance, History, And Divine Secrets Revealed!
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 Rituals & Schedule 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.)
