The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of India’s grandest and most anticipated religious festivals, drawing millions of devotees and tourists worldwide. This annual event, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, is celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur in Puri, Odisha. The 2025 Rath Yatra is expected to be a spectacle of faith, culture, and tradition.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 Date
The Rath Yatra festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the Shukla Paksha in Ashadha month.
🔹 Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 Date: June 29, 2025 (Sunday)
This marks the beginning of the grand chariot procession, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, embarks on a journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
Significance of Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, symbolizes the divine journey of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), his brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra, from their temple to their aunt’s home at the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away.
Devotees believe that pulling the grand chariots is a path to salvation and an opportunity to seek the Lord’s blessings. The Yatra represents inclusivity, as it is one of the few occasions where people of all castes and backgrounds can see and even touch the deities.
Rath Yatra Chariots and Their Names
Each deity has a distinct chariot with unique characteristics:
| Deity | Chariot Name | Colour | Number of Wheels | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lord Jagannath | Nandighosa | Yellow & Red | 16 | 45 feet |
| Balabhadra | Taladhwaja | Blue & Red | 14 | 44 feet |
| Subhadra | Darpadalana | Black & Red | 12 | 43 feet |
These massive chariots are meticulously crafted each year by expert artisans and are pulled by thousands of devotees.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Schedule
Here’s a breakdown of the major events surrounding the festival:
🔹 Snana Purnima (Full Moon Bathing Ritual) – June 14, 2025
- The deities are bathed with 108 pitchers of water and fall “ill” (Anasara period).
- They remain in isolation for 15 days before reappearing for Rath Yatra.
🔹 Netrotsava (Reappearance of the Lord) – June 28, 2025
- The first darshan of the recovered deities takes place.
🔹 Rath Yatra (Grand Chariot Procession) – June 29, 2025
- The deities leave the Jagannath Temple and travel to the Gundicha Temple.
🔹 Hera Panchami – July 3, 2025
- Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha Temple, questioning Lord Jagannath’s absence.
🔹 Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey) – July 7, 2025
- The deities return to the Jagannath Temple.
🔹 Suna Besha (Golden Attire Ceremony) – July 8, 2025
- Lord Jagannath and his siblings are adorned in gold ornaments.
🔹 Niladri Bijay (Final Ritual) – July 9, 2025
- The deities re-enter the temple, marking the conclusion of Rath Yatra.
How to Witness the Rath Yatra 2025
- Visit Puri – The best way to experience the Rath Yatra is by being present in Puri. The festival attracts millions of devotees, so booking accommodations in advance is advisable.
- Live Telecast & Online Streaming – For those unable to visit, major Indian TV channels and online platforms stream the event live.
- Participate in Local Rath Yatras – Many cities in India and abroad host Rath Yatra celebrations, inspired by the Puri festival.
Interesting Facts About Rath Yatra
✅ The chariot construction begins on Akshaya Tritiya, months before the Yatra.
✅ It is one of the oldest chariot festivals, dating back over 5,000 years.
✅ The English term “Juggernaut” (meaning an unstoppable force) originates from Jagannath’s Chariot.
✅ The festival attracts over a million visitors, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Final Thoughts
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 promises to be a spiritually enriching experience, filled with devotion, tradition, and divine energy. Whether you witness it in person or online, the festival remains a powerful reminder of faith and unity.
Jai Jagannath! 🙏
