Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: All you need to know about pulling the holy chariot and its benefits
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the grandest and most revered festivals in India, will take place in Puri, Odisha, on June 27, 2025. This spectacular event marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.The festival draws millions of devotees from across the world, all eager to witness and participate in the pulling of the colossal, ornately decorated wooden chariots.advertisementThe tradition of pulling the holy chariots is steeped in deep spiritual symbolism. According to legend, the Rath Yatra commemorates the time when Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings, ventured out to fulfil his sister Subhadra's wish to tour the city.
The act of pulling the chariots is not merely a ritual but is believed to be a path to spiritual liberation. Devotees from all walks of life unite to grasp the thick ropes of the chariots, chanting 'Jai Jagannath!' as they move the deities through the streets.It is widely believed that even touching the ropes or taking a few steps while pulling the chariot can absolve one of the sins and grant divine blessings.The festival is also a celebration of inclusivity and equality. The Chhera Panhara ritual, where the King of Puri sweeps the chariots, underscores the message that everyone is equal before the divine.The Rath Yatra is a powerful spiritual journey, symbolising self-surrender and unity, and offers devotees a unique opportunity to connect with the divine and experience inner transformation through collective devotion and service.Must Watch
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India Today
9 hours ago
- India Today
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: All you need to know about pulling the holy chariot and its benefits
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the grandest and most revered festivals in India, will take place in Puri, Odisha, on June 27, 2025. This spectacular event marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha festival draws millions of devotees from across the world, all eager to witness and participate in the pulling of the colossal, ornately decorated wooden tradition of pulling the holy chariots is steeped in deep spiritual symbolism. According to legend, the Rath Yatra commemorates the time when Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings, ventured out to fulfil his sister Subhadra's wish to tour the city. The act of pulling the chariots is not merely a ritual but is believed to be a path to spiritual liberation. Devotees from all walks of life unite to grasp the thick ropes of the chariots, chanting 'Jai Jagannath!' as they move the deities through the is widely believed that even touching the ropes or taking a few steps while pulling the chariot can absolve one of the sins and grant divine festival is also a celebration of inclusivity and equality. The Chhera Panhara ritual, where the King of Puri sweeps the chariots, underscores the message that everyone is equal before the Rath Yatra is a powerful spiritual journey, symbolising self-surrender and unity, and offers devotees a unique opportunity to connect with the divine and experience inner transformation through collective devotion and Watch
Time of India
2 days 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.
