The beach town of Odisha is now in full swing as monsoon clouds gather. Few more days. Jagannathdev’s Rath Yatra 2026 is going to start from July 16. The nine-day festival will conclude on July 24 with ‘Bahuda Yatra’ or Ultorath. Do you also want to achieve merit by touching the rope of the chariot on the Grand Road of Puri? Or want to visualize this convention? But before stepping into the crowd, make your travel plan. Keep these things in mind before you leave.

১) The main attraction of this festival of the Three Chariots in Srikshetra will be the three huge wooden chariots of the three brothers and sisters. This chariot is made following a special ritual. According to the scriptures, this journey begins on the Shukla II tithi of Asadha. Elder Balabhadra’s chariot is first, sister Subhadra in the middle and finally Jagannathdev himself leaves for his aunt’s house in ‘Nandighosh’ chariot. Where non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple premises, all devotees irrespective of caste and creed get darshan of God on Rath Yatra day. This festival of Puri is not just a religious ritual but a great collage of culture.

২) Millions of devotees gather in these few days. As a result, strict measures are being taken by Odisha administration and temple authorities for the sake of security. There will be many restrictions on vehicular movement towards major roads or grand roads. Designated space for parking. So it would be wise to follow traffic police guidelines.

৩) Remember, even though non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main temple, there is no restriction on pulling chariots. July is very hot and humid in Puri. So it is better to wear light cotton clothes. Be sure to keep a water bottle with you. Mobile phones, cameras, leather belts or purses are prohibited in the tight security ring adjacent to the temple. It is better to leave them in the hotel room.

৪) Going to Puri is a mouth-watering Mahaprasad experience. Rath Yatra days will be no exception. But this is the best time to enjoy Odisha’s own food and not just enjoy it. Your trip to Puri will be incomplete without tasting Dalma, Bara, Ghugni, Chanapora and Hot Hot Khaja.

৫) It is like a lottery to get a hotel at this time as tourists come from all over the country. So be it a hotel or a hospice or a beach resort — whatever you prefer, book now. Train is most comfortable to reach Puri. If you want to come by plane, you can get down at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar and take a taxi or bus for a distance of 60 km.

If things go according to plan, the experience of diving into this spiritual ocean will be etched in your memory forever.