The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is a Hindu festival with deep historical and mythological significance, dating back at least to the 12th century. It commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from their main temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is their aunt's home. This nine-day festival is celebrated with elaborate rituals, including the construction of massive chariots that symbolise the journey of the deities. In 2025, the Jagannath Rath Yatra will be observed on June 27, with the festivities commencing on June 13.
The Rath Yatra is centred around Lord Jagannath a Hindu deity who is considered a form of Vishnu, or Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. He is often depicted with his siblings, Balabhadra (or Balarama) and Subhadra. The iconic temple dedicated to him in Puri, Odisha, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimages for Hindus. Odisha's heritage, culture and belief system are centred around Jagannath. Legendary accounts, like those in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma Purana and other Puranas, state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Neela Madhab by a Savar king named Viswavasu, a tribal chief.
His striking visage only adds to his magnetism, and it is precisely because of his remarkable countenance that all sorts of faiths have tried to appropriate him. Some scholars believe the three richly decorated figures of Jagannatha, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra represent the Buddhist triad of Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. This all-inclusiveness is what makes Jagannath so popular. He is also probably among Hinduism’s most loved and pampered gods and is surrounded by elaborate pomp and ceremony throughout the year.
The Rath Yatra is one of the biggest festivals in India, attracting large crowds and renowned as the largest chariot festival in the world. The festival promotes communal harmony and inclusivity, encouraging participation from people of all backgrounds. The festival's importance is also highlighted in ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas such as the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana. A popular legend links the festival to King Indradyumna, who is believed to have established the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Another story tells of a promise made by Lord Jagannath to Queen Gundicha, the wife of King Indradyumna, to visit her temple each year. The Gundicha Temple is regarded as the maternal aunt's (or grandmother's) home for the deities, and the Rath Yatra represents their visit.
Key rituals and traditions include the construction of three massive chariots each year to carry the deities, a process that takes months. The deities are ceremoniously taken out of the temple in a ritual called Pahandi, accompanied by music and chants. The Gajapati King of Puri performs a ritual called Chhera Pahara, where he sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, symbolising humility before the divine.
The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days before returning to the main temple in a procession known as the Bahuda Yatra. The Jagannath Temple in Puri was built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, and the festival gained prominence during the Gajapati dynasty of Odisha.
The Rath Yatra is famous for the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra's chariots through the streets of Puri. Thousands of devotees gather to witness this spectacle, pulling the massive chariots with ropes, believing it to be a holy act that brings blessings. Make sure to find a good viewing spot early in the day to witness the procession, which usually starts from the Jagannath Temple and goes to the Gundicha Temple.
During the Jagannath Rath Yatra, pulling the chariots is a central ritual where devotees physically pull the massive wooden chariots carrying the deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, through the streets. This act of pulling is believed to be highly auspicious, granting blessings and even washing away sins.
Visit the Jagannath Temple to experience its impressive architecture and spiritual atmosphere, which are truly worth appreciating from the outside. The temple is renowned for its towering spire and the Nilachakra, a blue wheel made of eight metals. The temple is famous for its daily rituals, including the preparation and distribution of Mahaprasad, as well as the flag change atop the temple each day. One of the fascinating rituals involves a priest climbing barefoot to change the flag, which is 165 metres high.
The deities stay at Gundicha Temple for nine days, so plan your visit to witness the rituals and ceremonies. It is also known as the "Garden House of Jagannath" or "Gundicha Ghar" and is believed to be the home of Queen Gundicha, Lord Jagannath's aunt.
If you arrive before the Rath Yatra, you can also witness the Snana Yatra, known as Deva Snana Purnima. This bathing festival, held annually on the full moon day of Jyeshtha (May/June) at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, is a significant event. During the festival, the deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—are ceremonially bathed with 108 pots of sanctified water, marking the beginning of the Rath Yatra festival. The deities are brought out from the temple to the Snana Mandap (bathing platform) and bathed with water from the sacred well called Sunakua.
While you are in Puri for the Jagannath Yatra, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with music, dancing, and cultural performances along the procession route. Visit the local markets to immerse yourself in the culture and shop for souvenirs.
Savour the special Rath Yatra delicacies, including Chhena Poda, Dalma, and Puri Rasgulla. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the Mahaprasad, the holy food offered to Lord Jagannath, especially the Poda Pitha at the Mausi Maa Temple.
There are many activities to enjoy during your visit to Puri. Start by exploring Raghurajpur Artist Village, where talented artisans create beautiful Pattachitra paintings. Make sure to take some time to relax on Puri's stunning beaches. The Golden Beach in Puri was awarded the prestigious 'Blue Flag' certification on October 11, 2020, by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark.
If you have some extra time, consider taking a day trip to the Konark Sun Temple. This temple is famous for its unique architectural design, intricate carvings, and its history as a former astronomical observatory. Built around 1250 CE during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, it is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with 24 wheels, drawn by seven horses, symbolizing the sun god Surya's journey across the heavens. Remarkably, the temple's wheels also serve as functional sundials, accurately indicating the time of day.
The Puri Police have issued a traffic advisory in preparation for this year’s Rath Yatra. These restrictions aim to ensure the smooth movement of the three chariots, facilitate the flow of devotees, and enhance the overall security of individuals coming to the town during the festival.
There will be restrictions on the movement of buses, as well as two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles. Several No Vehicle Zones have been established, including:
- The entire Grand Road
- The road from Light House to Digabareni Chhak
- The road from Subhash Bose Chhak to the Hospital Crossing
- The road from Kumbharapada Police Station to the Hospital Crossing
- The road from Brushav Chhak to Jagannath Temple
- The stretch from Solakhia Baragachha to the Temple
- The road from Mochisahi Chhak to the Temple
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, with regular flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and international flights to/from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Taxis, app-based cabs, and buses are available. You can also pre-book private transfers or take a train from Bhubaneswar railway station nearby.
