Today marks the commencement of the world-renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha. This grand procession travels from the Jagannath Temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: The historical land of Puri is witnessing the beginning of the highly celebrated Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath today. This journey, which exemplifies an extraordinary confluence of faith, culture, and devotion, attracts millions of people every year. During this period, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra travel to their aunt's house, the Gundicha Temple, and return after 12 days. This grand yatra is scheduled to commence on June 27th and conclude on July 8th with the Niladri Bije.
The construction of the three chariots—Taladhwaja (Balabhadra's chariot), Debadalan (Subhadra's chariot), and Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath's chariot)—has been completed in the Rath Yard in front of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and the rituals of pulling them begin today. After the traditional 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual performed by the King of Puri, where he cleans the platform of the chariot with a golden broom, devotees will begin pulling the chariots towards the Gundicha Temple with heavy ropes.
Enthusiasm among Devotees, Administration Fully Prepared
The Puri administration has made stringent arrangements for the Rath Yatra. According to SJTA's chief administrator, Arabind Padhi, the administration had started preparations months in advance to ensure the safety and convenience of the devotees. An integrated command and control center has been established to cover the entire city, which is equipped with an Artificial Intelligence-based CCTV surveillance system.
ADG Traffic Dayal Gangwar stated that drone cameras are also being used to maintain smooth traffic flow. Additionally, police personnel, civil defense volunteers, and disaster management teams are deployed throughout the city to promptly address any emergency situations. A war room has also been set up for real-time monitoring.
Nabajouban Darshan after Netrotsav
Following the Snana Yatra ceremony on June 11th, the public darshan of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra was traditionally stopped. During this period, the deities reside in the Anasara Griha (isolation room) for 15 days, a period also believed to be when they 'fall ill'. Subsequently, on the eve of the Rath Yatra today, devotees had Nabajouban Darshan, where the deities appear in a youthful form, wearing special attire. The Netrotsav was also celebrated on this occasion, during which the eyes of the deities' idols are repainted.
Researcher of Jagannath culture, Bhaskar Mishra, says that this ritual symbolizes the rejuvenation of the Lord, where he returns among the devotees, revitalized.
Day-to-Day Schedule of the Rath Yatra
- June 27th (Friday) - Rath Yatra begins: The three chariots are pulled from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The devotees begin pulling the chariots after the Chhera Pahanra ritual by the King of Puri.
- July 1st (Tuesday) - Hera Panchami: After spending five days in the Gundicha Temple, Goddess Lakshmi comes to meet the Lord. This is called Hera Panchami.
- July 4th (Friday) - Sandhya Darshan: On this day, devotees get an opportunity to have special darshan of the Lord at the Gundicha Temple.
- July 5th (Saturday) - Bahuda Yatra: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra return to their temple. They stop at the Mausi Maa Temple on the way and offer 'Poda Pitha'.
- July 6th (Sunday) - Suna Besha: The deities are adorned with golden ornaments, attracting thousands of devotees.
- July 7th (Monday) - Adhara Pana: On this day, the traditional sweet drink 'Adhara Pana' is offered to the deities.
- July 8th (Tuesday) - Niladri Bije: The three deities return to their sanctum sanctorum, marking the end of the Rath Yatra.
Celebration Across the State
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati have extended their best wishes to all the devotees on the occasion of the Rath Yatra. CM Majhi said that this is a festival of faith and devotion, in which everyone should participate and seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu by having his darshan. Puri's markets, streets, and roadsides are transformed into a fair-like atmosphere.
Colorful flags, the sound of traditional musical instruments, and the crowd of thousands of devotees are transforming Puri into a vibrant pilgrimage city. Hotels, dharamshalas, ashrams, and guest houses are filled with devotees.
Cultural and Social Significance
The Rath Yatra is considered extremely important not only from a religious perspective but also socially and culturally. This festival symbolizes brotherhood, cooperation, and dedication for all. During this time, all barriers of caste, class, language, and religion break down, and everyone tries to get the fortune of pulling the chariot of Mahaprabhu.
The Puri Rath Yatra is mentioned in texts dating back to the 12th century and has been a part of Odisha's cultural identity for centuries. Its grandeur and public participation are considered unique worldwide.
