When Is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Time, Legend, And Rituals You Shouldn't Miss

Add as a preferred source on Google

Every year, the coastal city of Puri in Odisha transforms into a sea of devotion, vibrant energy, and timeless tradition. Streets throb with the sound of conch shells, chants echo through temple corridors, and lakhs of devotees gather to witness one of Hinduism's most magnificent festivals - the Jagannath Rath Yatra.

The Rath Yatra is not just a religious event; it's a moving temple of faith, where the deities step out of their sanctum and come closer to their devotees. For those seeking divine blessings or simply a deeper connection with India's cultural soul, this is one festival that demands a front-row experience.

Rath Yatra 2025 Date and Time

The Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2025 will begin on Friday, 27 June 2025, which marks the second day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Ashadha (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya). According to the Hindu Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi begins at 01:24 PM on 26 June and ends at 11:19 AM on June 30.

The ceremonial pulling of the chariots usually begins mid-morning, post rituals and the royal procession known as Pahandi.

The Divine Trio And Their Annual Journey

The festival centres around the divine siblings - Lord Jagannath (a form of Krishna), his elder brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. For this one week in the year, the deities leave their abode in the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple and travel to their aunt's temple, the Gundicha Temple, about 3 kilometres away. They ride on elaborately decorated wooden chariots, each one massive, majestic, and uniquely constructed anew each year.

Making Of The Chariots

Months before the festival, traditional carpenters begin crafting the chariots from sacred neem wood, following exact specifications handed down for centuries. Lord Jagannath's chariot, Nandighosa, has 16 wheels and is 45 feet tall.

Balabhadra's chariot, Taladhwaja, has 14 wheels, and Subhadra's Darpadalana has 12. These are not just vehicles-they're symbols of cosmic order and divine movement.

Pahandi And Chhera Pahanra Rituals

One of the most emotional moments is the Pahandi Bije, when the deities are brought out of the temple with rhythmic swaying and devotional chanting.

Once seated on their chariots, the Chhera Pahanra takes place-an age-old ritual where the Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariots' platforms with a golden broom, symbolizing that even the mightiest of kings is a humble servant before the divine.

Journey To Gundicha Temple

The deities travel through Grand Road or Bada Danda, with devotees from around the world pulling the massive chariots using thick ropes. The act of pulling the chariot is considered deeply auspicious, believed to cleanse sins and invite divine grace.

The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for 7 days, believed to be a metaphor for a visit to their maternal home.

Return Journey And Bahuda Yatra

After their stay, the deities return to the Jagannath Temple in a similar grand procession known as Bahuda Yatra. This year, it will be held on July 7, 2025.

On the way back, the chariots briefly stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, where the deities are offered the special Poda Pitha, a traditional baked delicacy. This ritual signifies care, love, and nourishment from their aunt before returning home.

Significance Behind The Rituals

The festival emphasizes inclusivity, as Lord Jagannath is considered a universal god who steps out of the temple for everyone, regardless of caste or status. The Yatra represents life as a journey, the movement of the soul toward liberation, and the idea that divinity exists among people.

Unlike most Hindu temples where non-Hindus are not allowed, the Rath Yatra allows people from all walks of life to participate.

Legends That Surround Rath Yatra

According to mythology, the Rath Yatra commemorates Lord Krishna's annual visit to Vrindavan, reliving his childhood with Radha and the Gopis. Another belief is that it marks the time when Krishna, Balram, and Subhadra expressed their desire to see the world outside their temple, and hence the festival began. Over time, kings, sages, and commoners alike contributed to making it the massive event it is today.

In recent years, Rath Yatras have also been conducted in major cities like London, New York, and Sydney, as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) brings the chariots to the streets worldwide.

With live telecasts, social media reels, and global online darshans, 2025 is expected to witness record virtual participation, especially from devotees unable to visit Puri in person.

If you plan to witness Rath Yatra in Puri this year, prepare in advance. Hotels and guesthouses are often booked months before. Local authorities set up special trains, security arrangements, and crowd-control zones.

Whether you're on the Grand Road in Puri or watching from afar, the energy of Rath Yatra will reach you-because when the gods decide to move, the whole world watches in awe.