Rath Yatra 2026: 6 Best Things To Do In Puri

Rath Yatra is when the chants of “Jai Jagannath” fill the air of Puri. Devotees from across the country and beyond gather in this temple town in Orissa to witness one of the world's oldest living processions. Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadara journey from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple on three wooden chariots that are built anew every year by hereditary artisans. This is both a sacred pilgrimage and one of the state’s living heritage, which brings together religion, craftsmanship and community. If you are in Puri this Rath Yatra, you need to experience the city for this spectacle and more.

Follow Jagannath’s Journey From The Grand Road To The Gundicha Temple

The journey begins on Puri’s Bada Danda (Grand Road) where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are ceremonially brought out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on three towering wooden chariots. Before the procession begins, the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri performs the Chhera Pahanra ritual, sweeping the chariots with a golden broom to signify humility before the divine. Thousands of devotees then pull the chariot towards the Gundicha Temple, believed to be the deity's garden retreat. There they remain for about a week before making the return journey. 

Eat From One Of The World’s Largest Temple Kitchens

The Mahaprasad is a symbol of a centuries-old tradition of community dining. Prepared daily, the offerings are cooked over wood-fired ovens in earthen pots with recipes preserved by centuries of temple cooks. After the offering to the deity, the food is shared among all the devotees.

Pause By The Bay Of Bengal At The Golden Beach

This is where pilgrims gather at dawn to take a ritual dip before heading towards the temple. Evenings are when travellers and local vendors take over the beach, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas here to spend hours looking at the sea. The Puri beach is also an important part of the religious tradition, and allows a moment of reflection amidst the celebrations.

Take A Tour Of The Artistic World Of Raghurajpur

Fifteen kilometres from Puri is Raghurajpur, the artisanal village where every lane feels like an open-air workshop. This is home to generations of artisans who continue to practice the Pattachitra painting, palm-leaf engraving, papier-mâché and woodcraft. Artists here also create the Anasara Patti, which are painted representations of the deities that are worshipped when the idols remain out of public view before Rath Yatra. 

Stay For The Return Journey

Rath Yatra is incomplete without the Bahuda Yatra, when the deities return to the Jagannath Temple. The homeward journey is followed by the Suna Beehsa, when the deities are adorned with gold ornaments, and Niladri Bije, marking their ceremonial re-entry into the temple. Staying for these final celebrations offers a fuller understanding of a festival. 

Take A Day Trip To The Konark Sun Temple

If you are staying for the Return Journey, invest a day in a visit to the Konark Sun Temple. Built in the 13th century by the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a colossal stone chariot dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, complete with intricately carved wheels and sculpted horses. Visiting Konark alongside Puri offers a deeper appreciation of the region's temple heritage, connecting the living traditions of Jagannath worship with one of India's greatest monuments of sacred architecture.