Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of the grandest and spiritually rich religious festivals in India. Held every year from the famous in Puri Jagannath Temple, Odisha, this yatra is not only a devotional event but also conveys the message of cultural unity and social harmony in Indian society. During the yatra, devotees believe that Lord Jagannath (bhagwan jagannath rath yatra), accompanied by his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, rides on majestic chariots and comes among his devotees to bless them with divine darshan.

This journey symbolizes the belief that God is not confined to temples but comes to the doorstep of devotees to redeem them. This divine tradition reflects the idea that every devotee is equal before God, and the Jagannath Rath Yatra brings this thought to life.

Purpose of the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra
Each year, on the second day (Dwitiya tithi) of the bright fortnight of the Ashadha month, the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra begins. On this day, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken from the Jagannath Temple to the Shri Gundicha Temple, located about five kilometers away, in beautifully decorated chariots. This journey is seen as a grand religious festival in which millions of devotees participate, pulling the chariots and earning immense spiritual merit.

Pulling the chariot is not just a tradition but a symbol of devotion and service. Devotees consider this opportunity extremely auspicious as Lord of Jagannath tample himself comes near them to bestow his blessings.

The Nine-Day Divine Journey
Jagannath Rath Yatra lasts for a total of nine days. It begins on the second day (Dwitiya tithi) when the deities reside in the Gundicha Temple. There, they rest for seven days and then return to the Jagannath Temple on the tenth day, which is called the Bahuda Yatra. The entire festival is filled with devotional songs, hymns, aartis, and rituals, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.

The route of the Rath Yatra is decorated with flowers, archways, rangoli, and devotional flags. Devotees pull the chariots with great joy, believing that by doing so, they attain happiness in this life and reach Vaikuntha, the divine abode, after death.

Today, the tradition of the Jagannath Temple has been adopted in many states of India. Although similar celebrations are held locally, the grandeur and significance of Puri’s Rath Yatra remain unmatched. Every devotee dreams of participating in this divine journey at least once in their lifetime.

Characteristics of the Three Chariots

Nandighosh (Chariot of Lord Jagannath)
Color: Red and Yellow
Wheels: 16
Height: 45 feet
Taladhwaj (Chariot of Balabhadra)
Color: Green and Red
Wheels: 14
Height: 43 feet
Darpadalana (Chariot of Subhadra)
Color: Black and Red
Wheels: 12
Height: 42 feet

These chariots are made entirely of wood, with no use of metal, which is a unique and ancient tradition in the history of the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Auspicious Time & Special Details
When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025? (Jagannath puri rath yatra kab hai?)
In 2025, the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra will be celebrated on Friday, June 27. This date falls on the Dwitiya tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Ashadha month, according to the Hindu calendar.
Dwitiya Tithi Begins: June 26, 2025, at 1:25 PM
Dwitiya Tithi Ends: June 27, 2025, at 11:20 AM

Key Events of Rath Yatra 2025

June 27, 2025 (Friday): Start of Rath Yatra – The deities journey from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.
July 5, 2025 (Saturday): Bahuda Yatra – The return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Temple.

The Legend of Jagannath Rath Yatra
During the Dwapara Yuga, when Lord Krishna completed his divine pastimes and departed from the Earth, his body was cremated. However, the Lord’s heart could not be burned by the fire god. This heart, which represented the supreme spiritual essence (Brahma Tattva), remained intact even in fire. Witnessing this, the Pandavas were amazed. A divine voice then declared that this was no ordinary relic but a manifestation of the Supreme Brahman and that it should be placed between pieces of wood and immersed into the sea. The Pandavas obeyed and offered Krishna’s heart to the ocean.

Over time, the heart transformed into a divine wooden log, which drifted onto the shores of Nilanchal (present-day Puri, Odisha). At that time, King Indradyumna, a pious devotee of Lord Vishnu, saw Lord Krishna in a dream, instructing him to retrieve the divine log and create deities out of it.

The king, along with his courtiers, found the log and brought it back to his palace. With the help of a divine sculptor (believed to be the son of Lord Vishwakarma), he created the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. These idols were no ordinary images—they were infused with the Brahma Heart of Krishna, which is eternal and unperishable. Today, the same form of the Lord is enshrined in the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

A Unique Divine Play – When Lord Jagannath Falls Ill
One of the most fascinating traditions of the Jagannath Temple in Puri (puri jagannath mandir) is the ritual where Lord Jagannath falls ill. This event begins every year after the Deva Snana Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month. On this day, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, is bathed with 108 sacred pots of cool water.

After this ceremonial bath, it is believed that the Lord catches a fever. During this time, the Lord is kept in seclusion in the sanctum of the temple for 15 days. This period is called “Anavasar” or “Anasara”. During these days, public darshan is prohibited, and only designated servitors and temple physicians are allowed to serve the Lord.

This period is one of waiting and heartfelt devotion for the devotees. When the Lord recovers, he appears once again in all grandeur during the Rath Yatra, offering his divine darshan to all. This beautiful tradition not only reflects the human emotions of the deity but also symbolizes the deep emotional connection between the Lord and his devotees.

Benefits of Participating in the Jagannath Rath Yatra

Pulling the chariot is believed to destroy sins.
Participation in this yatra leads to attainment of Vaikuntha (heavenly abode).
One achieves freedom from sorrows, the merit of visiting all holy places, and liberation (moksha).
Even witnessing the yatra brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual progress to one's life.

Importance and Spiritual Significance of the Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra tradition has been followed for thousands of years. It is celebrated not just in Odisha, but all over India. The festival teaches us that God comes to the doorsteps of his devotees. It holds a deep message of religious unity, cultural harmony, and humanity.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)

Perform Morning Bath and Maintain Purity
- Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Clean the worship area using Gangajal (holy water) or purified water.
- Maintain special sanctity as per the traditions of the Jagannath Temple (puri jagannath mandir).
Seat the Deities on a Wooden Platform
- Place a yellow or red cloth on a wooden platform.
- Install the idols or pictures of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
- Perform the installation with the same devotion as followed in Puri’s Jagannath Temple (puri ka Jagannath Mandir).
Perform Sixteen Ritual Offerings (Shodashopachar Puja) with Devotion
- Perform Abhishek (ritual bath) of the deities using Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, and Gangajal).
- Offer sandalwood paste, flowers, rice grains (akshat), incense, lamp, clothes, and food.
- Chant special mantras of Lord Krishna during the worship.
- Offering Tulsi (holy basil) leaves is considered extremely important.
Offer Bhog (Divine Food)
- Offer homemade kheer (sweet rice pudding), fruits, mishri (sugar crystals), coconut, or Panchamrit to the Lord.
- First dedicate the food to the Lord, then consume it as prasadam.
Sing Devotional Songs and Recite Scriptures
- Fill the environment with devotion by singing bhajans of Lord Krishna.
- You may also recite Vishnu Sahasranama or the pastimes of Lord Krishna.
Perform Aarti and Take a Vow
- Light a ghee lamp, perform aarti, and ring the bell.
- Pray to the Lord for your vow (vrat), resolution (sankalp), and family’s well-being.
- Observing a fast on the day of Rath Yatra is also considered highly meritorious.

Mantras for Jagannath Rath Yatra

“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah”
“Jai Shri Jagannathaya Namah”
“Hare Rama Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare”

Aarti of Jagannath Rath Yatra
Aarti Shri Jagannath Mangal Kaari,
Aarti Shri Vaikunth Mangalkaari,
Mangalkaari Nath Aapada Hari,
Kanchan Ko Dhoop Deep Jyot Jagmagi...
Devotees should sing the complete aarti of Lord Jagannath with full devotion.

Myth of Jagannath Rath Yatra: Does It Truly Grant Liberation?
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is not only one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) of India but also the center of numerous stories of faith and miracles associated with Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra (bhagwan jagannath rath yatra). One popular belief is that a devotee who comes under the wheels of the Lord’s chariot is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

Although this practice is now strictly controlled due to safety concerns, the myth remains emotionally and spiritually alive. It signifies that the Rath Yatra is not merely a festival but a symbol of salvation (moksha).

During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra travel from the Jagannath Temple (puri jagannath mandir) to the Gundicha Temple on their divine chariots. During this procession, devotees are blessed with the rare opportunity of direct darshan, which is considered an occasion for self-purification and spiritual awakening.

Why is Jagannath Rath Yatra Celebrated?
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is celebrated every year to commemorate the divine journey of Lord Krishna, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the city in their chariots. This journey starts from the Jagannath Temple in Puri and reaches the Gundicha Temple, where the deities rest for a few days.

On this day, the Lord Himself mounts the chariot and comes among his devotees, offering them the blessings of darshan and grace. This festival is considered a divine confluence of devotion, service, and surrender.

The Rath Yatra is not merely a religious tradition, but a powerful symbol showing that God personally comes to alleviate the sufferings of His devotees and guides them toward liberation.

Major Rituals and Traditional Ceremonies of the Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is not only a center of devotion but also a representation of ancient divine traditions preserved over thousands of years. Each year, the Rath Yatra is accompanied by several unique rituals and traditions that make the celebration extraordinary.

Pahandi Yatra
The ritual of bringing Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the sanctum to their chariots is called Pahandi Yatra. Amid chanting, drums, conches, and joyful singing, this ritual is performed with great grandeur. It marks the official beginning of the Rath Yatra.

Chera Pahara
This is a unique tradition where the King of Puri personally sweeps the Lord’s chariots with a golden broom. It conveys the message that everyone is equal before God, be it a king or a common devotee. It is a symbol of royal humility and devotion.

Dahuka Boli
Traditional songs sung by Dahukas (chariot singers) during the Rath Yatra are known as Dahuka Boli. These songs motivate the movement of the chariots. The tradition is deeply rooted in Odisha’s folk culture and enhances the festive energy.

Hera Panchami
On the fifth day of the yatra, the ritual of Hera Panchami takes place, symbolizing the anger of Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that when Lord Jagannath leaves for Gundicha Temple without informing her, Goddess Lakshmi becomes upset and comes to summon him back. It is a playful, love-filled tradition.

Bahuda Yatra
On the ninth day, the deities return to their original temple, marking the Bahuda Yatra. This return procession is observed with the same level of devotion and celebration as the main Rath Yatra day.

Suna Besha
During the Bahuda Yatra, the deities are adorned with golden ornaments in a grand manner. This magnificent decoration is called Suna Besha.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Celebrated in 8 Major States of India

Odisha (Puri): The Puri Rath Yatra is world-famous, where the huge chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are made of wood. This yatra symbolizes cultural heritage and devotion, and devotees consider pulling the chariot a sacred deed.
West Bengal (Kolkata/Mayapur): In Kolkata and Mayapur, the ISKCON Rath Yatra is celebrated grandly. With kirtans, food distribution, cultural tableaux, and participation of international devotees, the event reflects devotion and global spiritual unity.
Jharkhand (Ranchi/Jamshedpur): In Ranchi and Jamshedpur, the Rath Yatra showcases a unique blend of tribal culture and Vaishnavite tradition. Local devotees celebrate the festival with folk songs and dances, adding a regional flavor to the devotion.
Bihar (Patna/Gaya): Inspired by ISKCON, Rath Yatras in Patna and Gaya are filled with chanting of holy names, Vedic mantras, and devotees in traditional attire. Youth participation is especially prominent.
Uttar Pradesh (Kanpur/Varanasi/Lucknow): In cities like Kanpur, Varanasi, and Lucknow, Rath Yatras are known for their massive gatherings and spiritual fervor. Particularly in Kanpur, millions of devotees pull the chariot, and the processions depict vivid religious stories.
Maharashtra (Mumbai/Pune/Nashik): In Mumbai and Pune, ISKCON organizes spectacular Rath Yatras. These events combine urban life with devotion, featuring food distribution, music, and educational programs.
Gujarat (Ahmedabad): The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is the second largest in India. The chariots are protected by the army, and the festival showcases royal decorations, communal harmony, and historic traditions.
Telangana (Hyderabad): In Hyderabad, devotees from various states and countries participate in the Rath Yatra. It represents cultural diversity and global bhakti movement, with joyous bhajans, tableaux, and chariot pulling.

FAQ

Who is Lord Jagannath a form of?
Lord Jagannath is considered a form of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is worshipped along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.
What happens every 12 years in Jagannath Puri?
Every 12 years, the Nabakalebara festival is held, where the old idols of the deities are replaced with new ones, and the Brahma element is transferred into them.
What are the names of the three chariots?
Lord Jagannath’s chariot: Nandighosh
Balabhadra’s chariot: Taladhwaj
Subhadra’s chariot: Darpadalana
Each chariot has distinct structure, color, and flag.
What special food is offered during the Rath Yatra?
During the yatra, devotees offer Mahaprasad, especially khichdi, kheer, and Panchamrit. This food is distributed to devotees as blessed offerings.
What is the color of Jagannath’s chariot?
Lord Jagannath’s chariot is Red and Yellow
Balabhadra’s chariot is Green and Red
Subhadra’s chariot is Black and Red
Each has unique flags and decorations.
How long does the Rath Yatra last?
The Puri Rath Yatra lasts 9 days. The deities go to Gundicha Temple on the first day and return to the Jagannath Temple on the ninth day (Bahuda Yatra).
Can I participate in the Rath Yatra procession?
Yes, any devotee can take part in the Puri Rath Yatra. Millions join to pull the chariots and have darshan of the deities.
What is the significance of the chariots in Rath Yatra?
The chariots act as a bridge between devotees and the Lord, symbolizing that God comes to his devotees to destroy their sins and grant salvation.
How can I plan my trip for Rath Yatra 2025?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 will be held on Friday, June 27. It is very important to plan your trip in advance to be a part of this grand festival.
- Ticket and Hotel Booking: Book your train/flight tickets and hotel accommodation at least 1–2 months in advance.
- Arrive in Puri a Day Early: Try to reach Puri on June 26 so you can witness the beginning of the Rath Yatra.
- Use Online Services: Make bookings through online travel service websites.
- Seek Local Assistance: Take help from local guides or temple service centers.
- Ensure Safety: Carry all essential items and follow the instructions issued by the authorities.