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Jagannath Rath Yatra 025: The Rath Yatra marks Lord Jagannath’s symbolic journey from heaven to earth to bless his devotees. (Image: Shutterstock)
Jagannath rath yatra 2025: The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Puri Yatra or the ‘Festival of Chariots’, is one of the most important and grand festivals in India. Held every year in Puri, Odisha, the event is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.
The festival is celebrated on the second day (Dwitiya Tithi) of the bright half of the Asadh month in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in June or July according to the Gregorian calendar.
The festival began on June 12 this year, with Snana Purnima, a ritual where the deities are bathed in a grand ceremony. After this, the idols go into a rest phase known as Anavasara, which lasts from June 13 to June 26. During this time, the deities are not seen by the public, as they are believed to be recovering from the sacred bath.
As per Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi begins on June 26 this year at 1:24 PM and ends on June 27 at 11:19 AM. That’s why the main Rath Yatra, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in grand chariots, will take place on June 27, 2025.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra dates back to somewhere between the 12th and 16th centuries, with many stories about how it began. Some believe it represents Lord Krishna visiting his mother’s birthplace, while others say it was started by King Indradyumna, who began the rituals.
Historically, the festival became more popular during the rule of the Gajapati kings of Odisha. Over time, the celebration has grown, but its main purpose has stayed the same—honouring tradition and showing the deep faith of millions. It also reflects the rich culture of Odisha.
At the heart of the festival is the journey of three deities: Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. They are believed to leave the Jagannath Temple in Puri and travel about 3 kilometers to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt’s home, for a nine-day stay.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is marked by a series of meaningful rituals, each filled with deep cultural and spiritual significance.
The celebrations begin with Rath Snana, a special bathing ceremony held a day before the main procession. During this ritual, 108 pots filled with scented water and other sacred items are used to cleanse the deities, preparing them for their journey.
Next comes Rath Pratistha, where the newly built chariots are blessed by priests through sacred chants, making them ready to carry the deities. The highlight of the festival is the Rath Yatra, the grand chariot procession.
Thousands of devotees gather in the streets, singing and pulling the giant chariots as they carry Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for nine days, giving people a chance to receive their blessings.
After the stay, the Bahuda Yatra marks the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple, with the same joyful and devotional spirit.
The festival ends with Niladri Vijaya, during which the chariots are taken apart, symbolising the completion of the journey and the promise of it happening again the next year.
Every year, the Rath Yatra in Puri attracts thousands of devotees from India and around the world. While the grand chariot procession of Lord Jagannath is the main highlight, the city is home to several other important spiritual sites worth visiting during your trip.
Here are five must-visit places:
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Puri, India, India
