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Every year in the sacred town of Puri, the air shifts with a unique energy. Streets are filled with chants of "Jai Jagannath!" as lakhs of devotees gather to witness one of Hinduism’s most vibrant festivals, the Rath Yatra. Gigantic wooden chariots rumble through the city, pulled by ropes held by hands full of faith. It's more than a journey of deities from one temple to another. It is a celebration of divine presence in the lives of devotees.
For those who have seen it in person, the memory lingers like the scent of sandalwood in the air. For others who watch from afar, it becomes a yearly call to connect, celebrate, and surrender. In this blog, we will explore the deeper meaning of the Rath Yatra, its stories, and the detailed schedule for 2025.
What is Rath Yatra?
Rath Yatra is a special festival where the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out of the Jagannath Temple in Puri and brought to the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be their aunt’s place. These idols are carried on huge wooden raths (chariots) that are beautifully made and decorated.
Thousands of people come together to pull these chariots through the streets. It is believed that just watching the rath being pulled brings good fortune and washes away one’s paap (sins). This whole journey is not just a tradition but something people wait for all year. Ancient texts like the Skanda Purana also mention that this rath yatra is one of the most important events related to Lord Jagannath.
Rath Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is one of the most celebrated Hindu events. Held annually in Puri, Odisha, it marks the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from their home in the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt’s residence.
What sets this yatra apart is its accessibility. On this day, the deities step out of the sanctum and into the streets, allowing every devotee, regardless of caste, creed, or background, to witness and even touch the divine. The chariots are enormous, intricately decorated, and freshly constructed each year, pulled by thousands of devotees chanting with joy and devotion.
Even ancient scriptures like the Skanda Purana mention the spiritual merit gained by simply witnessing or participating in this sacred procession. For many, pulling the ropes of the rath is not just symbolic, but, in fact, an act of surrender, a physical expression of devotion that is believed to cleanse the soul of past sins.
Why is Rath Yatra Celebrated? Understanding the History
Where It All Began
Rath Yatra has existed since ancient times. Its roots go back to old Hindu texts like the Puranas. The idea behind this yatra is to remember the time when Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, visited the Gundicha Temple, which is said to be the place where they were born. Over the years, this festival has grown big and continues to be celebrated with the same energy and bhakti (faith).
The Story Behind Lord Jagannath
Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, is worshipped in Puri alongside his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The idols of these three gods are said to be made of wood and have a unique history. The story behind their creation is filled with mystery and spiritual significance, making this festival an important part of Hindu culture. The Rath Yatra not only marks Lord Jagannath's journey to his aunt’s home but also strengthens the bond between the deities and their devotees.
Puri Rath Yatra 2025: Dates, Rituals, and Chariots
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra in 2025 will held on June 27 and the festival will go on till July 5th. It lasts for nine days, and during this time, several important rituals take place. The festival ends with the return of the idols to the Jagannath Temple. If you're planning to attend or just want to keep track, here are the main events and their dates:
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Snana Purnima – June 12
The ceremonial bathing of the deities with 108 pots of sacred water. -
Anavasara – June 13 to June 26
A period of seclusion where the deities rest and recover after Snana Purnima. -
Gundicha Marjana – June 26
Devotees clean the Gundicha Temple in preparation for the Lord’s arrival. -
Rath Yatra – June 27
The grand procession begins as the deities travel to their aunt’s temple. -
Hera Panchami – July 1
A symbolic ritual where Goddess Lakshmi comes to Gundicha in search of Lord Jagannath. -
Bahuda Yatra – July 4
The return journey of the deities to the main Jagannath Temple. -
Suna Besha – July 5 (morning)
The deities are adorned in gold ornaments — a sight that draws massive crowds. -
Niladri Bijay – July 5 (evening)
The divine return of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra to their original abode.
Puri Rath Yatra 2025: Dates, Rituals, and Chariots
For nine days every year, the coastal town of Puri transforms into a living celebration of divinity. In 2025, the Jagannath Rath Yatra begins on June 27 and concludes on July 5, marking a spiritual journey filled with emotion, devotion, and age-old customs that have remained unchanged for centuries.
The Chariots
The most eye-catching part of Rath Yatra is the massive raths or chariots, made fresh every year. Each one is different and has its own size, colour, and feel.
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Nandighosa (Jagannath ji ka Rath):
Stands 45 feet tall with 16 wheels. It’s covered in red and yellow cloth. -
Taladhwaja (Balabhadra ji ka Rath):
A little shorter at 44 feet and has 14 wheels. This one is decorated with blue and red. -
Darpadalana (Subhadra ji ka Rath):
Slightly smaller at 43 feet and has 12 wheels. It is decked out in black and red.
If you’re in Puri around this time, this yatra is something you won’t forget. The vibe, the people, the rath pulling, and the rituals all come together to create an experience that stays with you.
Rituals on Rath Yatra Day
There are many rituals performed during Rath Yatra. Here's a closer look at them:
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Mangala Aarti
The day starts early with the Mangala Aarti. It’s a beautiful moment when the idols are worshipped before sunrise. Priests light diyas, agarbatti, and dhoop while chanting prayers. This sets the tone for the entire day and is believed to bring good vibes and blessings. -
Snana Purnima
Before the actual Rath Yatra, there’s a ritual called Snana Purnima. The idols are given a grand ceremonial bath. After this, they are taken into seclusion for around fifteen days. This period is known as Anavasara. People believe the idols are resting and recovering during this time. -
Pahandi Bije
This is when things start to feel grand. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Maa Subhadra are carried out of the main temple. Priests and devotees join in, with drums, conch shells, and non-stop chanting. The energy is high and the air is full of excitement. -
Chhera Pahanra
A very unique and humble ritual. The Gajapati King of Puri himself comes forward to sweep the chariots with a golden broom. He also sprinkles sandalwood-scented water and flowers. This act shows that no matter how big or small, everyone is equal in front of God. -
Rath Pratishtha
Now comes the moment when the idols are placed on their chariots. These chariots are decorated beautifully with bright fabrics, flowers, and ornaments. This is called Rath Pratishtha. It’s a treat to the eyes and heart. -
Pulling of the Chariots
This is the part most people wait for. Huge crowds gather to pull the chariots with thick ropes. The idols are taken from the main Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is around 3 km away. It’s believed that pulling the chariot brings you closer to Bhagwan and adds punya to your life. -
Journey to Gundicha Temple
The idols travel to the Gundicha Temple, which people call the mausi maa ka ghar (aunt’s house). They stay there for nine days. During this time, many more rituals and small poojas take place. -
Maha Prasad
No pooja or festival is complete without food. On Rath Yatra, Maha Prasad is distributed among the devotees. It’s not just food. People believe it carries blessings. Eating it is seen as very shubh. -
Evening Aarti and Darshan
Once the idols reach the Gundicha Temple and are settled, an evening aarti takes place. Devotees then get the chance to do darshan. It’s a peaceful moment after all the buzz of the day. -
Cultural Programs
As the day winds down, the celebration continues with music and dance. Traditional Odia performances fill the night with joy. These programs bring people together and remind everyone of the rich culture tied to Rath Yatra.
Explore HEM’s Divine Offerings for Mangala and Evening Aarti
No pooja feels complete without the right atmosphere. During the sacred Mangala Aarti at dawn and the peaceful Evening Aarti at sunset, what you use to set the space matters just as much as the rituals themselves. HEM brings together a thoughtful range of products that support your daily pooja and add purity, peace, and a sense of devotion. Let's take a closer look at how our products can make your aarti experience better:
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Agarbatti
Light a HEM Agarbatti that reflects the time and mood of your pooja. In the morning, opt for floral or sandalwood-based scents for freshness, or deeper fragrances like frankincense in the evening for grounding. Each stick is hand-rolled and made to purify the air while enhancing spiritual focus.
Explore Agarbatti Collection -
Ghee Diya
Lighting a diya is symbolic of inviting divine light into your life. HEM’s Aradhana Pure Cow Ghee Diya Batti makes it effortless. These pre-soaked wicks ensure a steady, clean flame, which is ideal for aarti or lighting in front of the deities throughout the day.
Shop Ghee Diya Batti -
Dhoop Sticks
For those who prefer a richer, more lingering scent, HEM’s dhoop sticks offer a deeper olfactory experience. Use them during special poojas, meditation, or before evening rituals to create a sense of peace and devotion that lingers even after the flame fades.
Explore Dhoop Sticks -
Pooja Samagri
There is no need to assemble items from different places. HEM’s pooja samagri range includes all the basics you need in one place. From incense and ghee diyas to dhoop and thalis. Ideal for both daily use and grand festivals like Rath Yatra, it simplifies your spiritual setup while honouring age-old traditions.
Shop Pooja Samagri
Closing Thoughts
Rath Yatra is more than just a celebration. It brings people together through faith, tradition, and shared moments of joy. Whether you're watching from home or standing in the crowd, the feeling stays with you. We hope this blog helped you understand how Rath Yatra is celebrated and what makes it so special. May the blessings of Lord Jagannath bring peace and happiness to your life.
