Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra is starting today in Puri, Odisha. This grand journey starts from the Jagannath temple in Puri and goes to the Gundicha temple. It is believed that Lord Jagannath visits his aunt's house Gundicha temple once a year with his sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra. A day before the Rath Yatra, thousands of devotees reached the Singh gate of the temple and performed the Nabajauban Darshan (young form) of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath on the Ratna Bedi (sacred platform in the sanctum sanctorum).
This Rath Yatra will last for a total of 12 days and will conclude with Niladri Vijay on 8 July 2025, when the Lord will return to his original temple. Although the Rath Yatra is organized for 12 days, its preparations start months in advance. Many religious rituals, rituals and special programs are organized during this Rath Yatra.
Public darshan of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra was stopped after the bathing ritual on June 11. According to an official of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the temple remained open for devotees for Nabajoban Darshan from 8 am to 10.30 am. He said that Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra wear a special youth dress on Nabajoban Besha. This ritual is performed to celebrate the rejuvenation of Lord Jagannath. This day is also called Netra Utsav (Eye Opening Festival), as the eyes of the idols are painted on this day. According to Bhaskar Mishra, a researcher of Jagannath culture, it is believed that the deities do not appear before the devotees due to illness after the bathing ritual. They remain in quarantine in Anasar Ghar (isolation room) for a fortnight before the Rath Yatra. Administration fully prepared
According to SJTA Chief Administration Arabinda Padhi, after the completion of Nabajouban Darshan, we hope that the Rath Yatra will run smoothly. During the day, all three chariots will stand in front of the main gate of the temple. In the afternoon they will be pulled from Rath Khada (chariot yard). The rituals of parking the chariots will be performed. The construction of three wooden chariots Taladhwaj (the chariot of Lord Balabhadra), Devdalan of Goddess Subhadra, and Nandighosh, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, has been completed and it is ready to run on the Grand Road on June 27, the SJTA official said.
ADG Traffic Dayal Gangwar gave information about the Rath Yatra starting today. He said that this year, an integrated command and control center has been set up, where we have a CCTV surveillance system that is completely AI based. We receive all traffic and parking-related information from the entire Puri city. Representatives of all departments have been informed and we have also set up a war room. We are also using drones for traffic purposes. He said that strong security arrangements have also been made. For this, we are constantly coordinating with the civil police.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati have welcomed and greeted the devotees on the occasion of the world-famous annual Rath Yatra. CM Manjhi said to join the Rath Yatra with faith and devotion, have a divine darshan of Mahaprabhu on the chariot, and get his blessings.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Full Schedule
June 27, Friday – Rath Yatra begins
Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra leave the Jagannath temple in Puri on three different grand chariots and travel towards the Gundicha temple. Thousands of devotees pull these chariots with heavy ropes. Before boarding the chariot, the King of Puri performs the ritual of 'Chhera Panhara', in which he cleans the platform of the chariot with a gold broom.
1 July, Tuesday – Hera Panchami
When the Lord spends five days in the Gundicha temple, on the fifth day Goddess Lakshmi comes to meet Lord Jagannath in an angry mood. This ritual is called Hera Panchami.
4 July, Friday – Sandhya Darshan
Special darshan is organised at the Gundicha temple. On this day devotees visit Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra and it is considered a very auspicious occasion.
5 July, Saturday – Bahuda Yatra
Lord Jagannath along with his brother and sister return to the Jagannath temple riding on chariots. This return journey is called Bahuda Yatra. On the way they stop at Mausi Maa Temple (half way) where they are offered 'Poda Pitha', a special sweet of Odisha.
6 July, Sunday – Suna Besha
On this day Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are adorned with gold ornaments. This is a very grand decoration which is witnessed by thousands of devotees.
7 July, Monday – Adhara Pana
On this day, a special sweet drink called 'Adhara Pana' is offered to the Gods, which is prepared in large earthen pots. It is made of water, milk, cheese, sugar, and some traditional spices.
8 July, Tuesday – Neeladri Vijaya (Conclusion)
This is the last and most emotional day of the Rath Yatra. On this day, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra return to their main temple and are re-installed in the sanctum sanctorum. This is called 'Neeladri Vijaya', which means - "Re-conquest of Nilachal (Puri)".
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