The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, featuring a grand procession of deities. During this festival, the deities of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken in elaborately decorated chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt’s home. This journey symbolizes their annual visit and is a significant event for devotees, who participate by pulling the chariots and seeking blessings. The Rath Yatra is a major cultural event in Puri, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is a major annual Hindu festival celebrated in Puri, a coastal city in the state of Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.”Rath Yatra” literally means “Chariot Journey.” It involves the ceremonial procession of the three deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away.
Celebration of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra
The celebration of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of the most spectacular and spiritually significant festivals in India. It attracts millions of devotees and tourists from across the world.Around 45 days before the yatra, skilled artisans begin constructing the three massive wooden chariots for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.A few weeks before the Rath Yatra, the deities are bathed in 108 pots of water in a ritual called Snana Purnima, after which they “fall ill” and are kept away from public view for 15 days.
Main Day of Rath Yatra
On the day of Rath Yatra (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya), the deities are brought out of the sanctum in a grand ritual called Pahandi Bije. The idols are placed on their respective giant chariots at the Lion’s Gate (Singhadwara) of the Jagannath Temple.
The ceremonial chhera pahara is performed: The Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility before the Lord.
Devotees then pull the chariots with thick ropes through the streets of Puri (Bada Danda), accompanied by chanting, singing, dancing, and beating of drums.
The chariots travel about 3 kilometers to the Gundicha Temple, considered the birthplace of Lord Jagannath.
Stay at Gundicha Temple (7 Days) The deities stay at Gundicha Temple for 7 days, where they are worshipped with rituals similar to those at the main temple.
On the fifth day, Lakshmi (consort of Jagannath) visits the temple in a ritual called Hera Panchami, symbolizing her concern over Jagannath’s long absence.
Return Journey – Bahuda Yatra
After the stay, the deities begin their return journey (Bahuda Yatra) to the Jagannath Temple. On the way, the deities stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, where they are offered a special dish called poda pitha (a baked rice cake).
Return to Main Temple – Suna Besha & Niladri Bije
Upon return, the deities are dressed in gold ornaments in a grand event called Suna Besha (Golden Attire).
Finally, they re-enter the sanctum sanctorum in a ritual called Niladri Bije, marking the end of the festival.
Spiritual Significance
The Rath Yatra symbolizes the Lord’s outreach to the common people, stepping out of the temple to give darshan to everyone, including those who aren’t allowed inside the temple.
It promotes values of unity, humility, and devotion.
Ratha Yatra is a celebration of the legends of the three sibling deities, Jagannath (also known as Lord Krishna), Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Statues of the deities are taken in a procession (yatra) through the streets in a chariot (ratha).
Jagannath puri rath yatra also in Pathankot
There are two groups start jagannath puri rath ratna in Pathankot. The groups are iskon, Hari naam sankirtan group. Rath yatra in Pathankot on 27 june 2025. Yatra start : 2:00 PM. shiv Parvati Temple, Back Side Old SDM Court, Bhadroya.
