New Delhi: Every year in the month of Asadh, Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is taken out. It is one of the biggest religious gatherings in Asia, and devotees from all over the world come and participate in this religious yatra. Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are seated on this journey.

According to legends, it is believed that all the sins are washed away by seeing them, which is why it is considered special. The Rath Yatra this year will begin in June. Let us learn about the date, rituals and the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra.

When is the Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2025?

The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath will start in Puri, Odisha, on June 26 and continue until June 27. Many people from India and around the world participate in this festival every year.

Key Rituals of Puri Rath Yatra

• Akshaya Tritiya and Chariot Construction: The chariots’ construction begins on Akshaya Tritiya about two months before the Rath Yatra.
• Snana Purnima (Ceremonial Bathing): The deities are bathed with 108 pots of water, after which they are believed to become ill and secluded.
• Anavasara (Seclusion Period): The deities remain out of public view for about 15 days.
• Netrotsava (Recovery of the Deities): On the eve of the Rath Yatra, special rituals mark the deities’ recovery and reappearance.
• Chhera Pahanra (Royal Ritual): The King of Puri sweeps the chariot platforms with a golden broom to show humility before the divine.
• The Grand Procession: The deities are placed in their chariots and pulled through the streets to the Gundicha Temple.
• Gundicha Temple Stay: The deities remain at the Gundicha Temple for nine days while being worshipped.
• Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): The deities return to the Jagannath Temple with the same grandeur and rituals.
• Suna Besha (Golden Adornment): The deities wear golden ornaments in a spectacular display.
• Niladri Bije (Return to the Temple): The deities finally return to their sanctum inside the Jagannath Temple, completing the festival.

Interesting Facts about Puri Rath Yatra

• The three chariots are rebuilt yearly using specific sacred wood from designated forests.
• People pull the chariots entirely by hand without any machines.
• Each chariot has its own design, colour and number of wheels:
  Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath) – 16 wheels
  Taladhwaja (Balabhadra) – 14 wheels
  Darpadalana (subhadra) – 12 Wheels

The grand scale of the Rath Yatra has inspired similar events for Jagannath devotees worldwide.