The Jagannath Rath Yatra is beginning on June 27, 2025
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Jagannath Rath Yatra begins
The grand and sacred festival of Jagannath Rath Yatra begins this year on June 27, 2025. This auspicious occasion marks one of the most significant events in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with immense devotion, joy, and spiritual fervor, especially in Puri, Odisha. On this day, Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his elder brother, Lord Balabhadra, and beloved sister, Goddess Subhadra, embarks on a majestic procession through the streets of Puri on splendidly decorated wooden chariots.
Aunt’s house, the Gundicha Temple
While devotees often visit the Jagannath Temple to catch a glimpse of the deities, the Rath Yatra is the only time of the year when the Lord Himself comes out of the sanctum to meet and bless His devotees. This divine journey signifies the Lord’s deep love and compassion for humanity. According to sacred tradition, the trio visits their aunt’s house, the Gundicha Temple, and stays there for a few days before returning to their main abode, marking a symbolic vacation or retreat of the deities.
Second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha
The Rath Yatra begins annually on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June–July). The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, takes place on the tenth day of the same fortnight. Devotees from across India and around the world gather in Puri to witness this divine spectacle. The air reverberates with the sound of conch shells, bells, cymbals, devotional chants, and the kirtans praising the Lord.
The enormous wooden chariots, intricately carved and painted in bright colors, are built anew each year from specific trees, reflecting centuries-old craftsmanship. The chariot of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosa, Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra, and Darpadalana for Goddess Subhadra. Each chariot is pulled by thousands of devotees using thick ropes, with the belief that pulling the chariot is equivalent to performing hundreds of Yajnas (sacrificial rituals) and can wash away all sins, bringing peace, happiness, and divine blessings into one’s life.
This sacred procession not only signifies the eternal bond between the divine siblings but also embodies the principles of inclusivity, devotion, humility, and spiritual equality, as people from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or status, participate in pulling the chariots. The Rath Yatra, therefore, is not just a religious event—it is a living tradition, a cultural heritage, and a symbol of India’s deep-rooted spirituality.
Journey of the soul
For many, witnessing or being a part of the Rath Yatra is a lifelong dream, as it is said to bring immense spiritual merit and inner joy. The sea of humanity, the devotion in every heart, and the overwhelming divine presence make this festival a once-in-a-lifetime experience for devotees.
In essence, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than just a festival—it is a journey of the soul, a celebration of divine love, and a reminder that the Lord walks among His people to bless and uplift them. May this sacred event bring harmony, prosperity, and spiritual awakening to all.