Jagannath Rath Yatra – Puri Festival & Chariot Procession

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2026

Jagannath Puri is one of the four Dhams in India, which is situated in Puri, Odisha. Every year the Jagannath Yatra begins with the chant of "Jai Jagannath", where chariots of Lord Vishnu (known as Lord Jagannath), with his elder brother, Lord Balram, and his sister, Goddess Subhadra, are featured. The Jagannath Rath Yatra begins on the Dwitiya Tithi of the Ashadh Shukla Paksha. This year, the Rath Yatra will begin on 16 July 2026.

When will Jagannath Rath Yatra begin in 2026? Auspicious Timings and Dates

Every year the Jagannath Yatra begins on the Dwitiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Ashadh month. The Dwitiya Tithi will begin at 8:52 on 16 July, and as per the Udaya tithi, the Rath Yatra will begin on 16 July. This year, the Rath Yatra will begin on a Thursday, the day dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Form of Lord Vishnu). The auspicious muhurat for the Yatra will be from 5:33 AM to 12:00 PM. After the nine days of journey, the Rath Yatra will return on 24 July 2026.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2028

What is Jagannath Rath Yatra?

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu religion. This auspicious festival is celebrated in Puri, Odisha, and the Rath Yatra begins on the Dwitiya tithi of Ashadh Shukla Paksha. "Jagannath" means Jag ke Nath, which means the Lord of the Universe. The Jagannath Yatra involves a chariot procession (Rath Yatra) of Lord Jagannath. The total number of three chariots is featured in the Jagannath Yatra; the first belongs to Lord Jagannath, the second is for his elder brother Lord Balram, and the third belongs to his sister, Goddess Subhadra. The Jagannath Yatra begins for nine days, during which all the chariots are pulled by devotees using ropes.

The Story and History of the Jagannath Rath Yatra

According to the mythological stories, it is said that King Indrayumna and his wife established the Lord Nilamadhav temple, but the Pran Pratishtha of the temple and the installation of the idols of deities were yet to be performed. The King approached the sage Narad to perform Pran Pratishtha and requested him to serve as the priest. For this, Sage Narad suggested that Lord Brahma himself should perform Pran Pratishtha of this temple, and urged him to accompany him to invite Lord Brahma. Later, the King agreed to accompany Sage Narad, but Narad warned him to reconsider his decision as it would take centuries to return to the Earth from the Brahma Lok. He warned that the kingdom would no longer be his, no member of his family would remain alive, and the Nilachal region of Puri would also be under the control of another, and it is also possible that the king may not recognise the region upon returning.

Upon hearing this, the King was in a profound dilemma, as the only purpose of his life was to establish Shrimandir.

Observing the King's anxiety, Sage Narad offered a solution, stating that, before departing for the Brahmalok, the King should undertake the construction of one hundred wells and reservoirs throughout his kingdom. Also, he should perform one hundred Yajnas to safeguard his region of Puri with sacred and auspicious mantras.

The King agreed with Sage Narad and was ready to leave for the journey to Brahma Lok. During that time, his wife, Gundicha, decided to remain there and perform severe penance (Tapasya), and take Samadhi through Pranayam until he returns. As he started his journey to Brahma Lok, the King assigned the responsibility of the kingdom to Vidyapati and Lalita, but both of them refused to sit on the royal throne, stating that they would instead remain there to continue serving Queen Gundicha.

The King, accompanied by Sage Narad, arrived at Brahma Lok and requested Lord Brahma to perform Pran Pratishtha of the temple. Lord Brahma accepted his request and departed for Earth. But, as Sage Narad had told, many centuries had passed on Earth, and the Srimandir built by the King had also been buried beneath the sands. A different king now ruled over Puri, and not a single descendant of the King's lineage was alive.

After returning to Earth, they searched for the temple and finally reached the Garbhagriha. When the Garbhagriha opened, the divine radiance of Neel Madhav spread out, and the temple was once again revealed to the world. Queen Gundicha sensed the arrival of her husband, and rising from the she reached to his side.

The Pran Pratishtha of the temple was performed, with a Yajna by Lord Brahma. The Pran Pratishtha of Lord Jagannath was completed with the rituals by Queen Gundicha and King Indradyumn. After that, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and His sister, Goddess Subhadra, manifested before them, showered their blessings upon the King, and offered him to ask for a boon. The King asks that the divine grace be showered upon all the laborers who had constructed the temple and helped to take the temple out beneath the sands. Lord Jagannath urged him to ask for more, then the King requested that whenever the sacred story of Lord Jagannath is recited, the names of Vishwavasu, the King's own brother, Vidyapati, and Vidyapati's wife, Lalita, shall be taken as his supreme devotee. Lord Jagannath again encouraged him to ask for more. Then the King said that his devoted wife, Gundicha, had sacrificed the joy of motherhood and dedicated her life to the completion of this temple, so he prayed that she be granted a special place at Lord Jagannath's feet. Once again, Lord Jagannath offered the King to ask for a boon, then prayed that every devotee who visits this temple to seek the Lord's Darshan be guided onto the path of Dharma. Finally, Lord Jagannath spoke again and said now ask something for yourself, as you have asked everything for the sake of others, so now, ask for a boon for your own self. In reply, the King said, "I am blessed to have the divine darshan of all three of You. I consider myself truly fulfilled, and there is not a single wish in my heart now."

Then, the Lord grants the King all the boons he requested.

Why Does Lord Jagannath Visit the Gundicha Temple?

Then, the Lord turned toward Maa Gundicha and said, "You have waited for me just as my own mother did, and you are like my mother. So, from today, you shall be known as my maternal aunt, Gundicha Devi. I will always visit you once every year. At this place where you have performed penance for centuries, a temple will be established, the Gundicha Mata Temple, and this temple will be worshipped as a Devi Peeth. I will arrive on our chariots with my brother Balabhadra and my sister Subhadra to visit you."

Since that day, every year during the Jagannath Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra visit their maternal aunt's home for seven days.

The Relationship Between Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra

Lord Jagannath is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Balabhadra is his elder brother, and Subhadra is his younger sister. Idols of all three deities are installed in the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The Spiritual Significance of the Three Chariots in the Rath Yatra

During the Jagannath Rath Yatra, the procession is conducted on three separate chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Each chariot has a different name and carries its own spiritual significance. Lord Jagannath's chariot is named Nandigosh. Balbhadra's chariot name is Taladhwaj, and Subhadra's chariot name is Darpadalan.

Lord Jagannath's Nandighosh Chariot

Lord Jagannath rides on the rath named Nandighosh. Among all three chariots, this one is the largest and most magnificent. It is coloured with red and yellow colours, which symbolise power, energy, and divinity. This chariot has sixteen wheels, and it is said that the Nandighosh chariot symbolises Dharm and victory. A Garud Dhwaj is hoisted at the top of the chariot, which is regarded as the symbol of Lord Vishnu's power.

Balbhadra's Taladhwaj Chariot

Lord Balbhadra's chariot is known as Taladhwaj. The special feature of this chariot is the palm tree, which is described on its flag. This is the reason that it is known as Taladhvaj. There are 14 wheels in the chariot and are colored in red and green. This chariot is the symbol of strength, stability, and courage. The palm tree symbolizes patience and strength, as it stands firm in every situation.

This chariot features 14 wheels and is colored red and green. The Taladhvaja chariot is regarded as a symbol of strength, stability, and courage. The palm tree signifies patience and strength, as it stands firm in every situation.

Goddess Subhadra's Darpadalan Chariot

Goddess Subhadra's chariot is known as Darpadalan. The term Darpadalana means the destroyer of arrogance. This chariot is coloured with black and red hues and features 12 wheels. This chariot is regarded as the symbol of humility, compassion, and the divine feminine power. The Darpadalan chariot conveys the message that love, humility, and harmony are the greatest strengths in life.

Traditions and Religious Rituals of the Jagannath Rath Yatra

The preparations for the Jagannath Rath Yatra begin three months before the Rath Yatra, specifically on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya. On this day, the construction of the chariots officially begins.

Special Tradition of Chariot Construction

Every year, new chariots are constructed specially for the Rath Yatra. These chariots are built using a special type of sacred wood. Traditionally, skilled artisans complete the construction of the chariots with religious rituals and procedures. All three chariots are crafted in different shapes and forms.

Traditions Observed 15 Days Before the Yatra

Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are given a bath using sacred water from 108 kalash. It is said that after this bath, the deities fall ill and take rest for a few days. This period is known as Anasar, during which the doors of the temple remain closed for the devotees.

Ritual of Pahandi Vijay

On the day of the Rath Yatra, the ritual of bringing the deities out of the temple is known as Pahandi Vijaya. During this auspicious ritual, devotees carry the deities to the chariots, chanting bhajan and kirtan.

Tradition of Chhera Pahara

Chhera Pahara is one of the most unique rituals of the Rath Yatra. During this ritual, the King of Puri, Gajapati Maharaj, sweeps the chariots using a broom made with gold. This ritual shows the message that everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord, whether it is a king or a common devotee.

Tradition of Pulling the Chariots

During the Rath Yatra, thousands of devotees pull the chariots using ropes. According to religious belief, pulling the chariots is an act of immense spiritual merit (Punya) and bestows the special grace of the Lord upon the devotees. This opportunity is one of the greatest blessings of the lives of devotees.

The Stay at Gundicha Temple

During the Rath Yatra, the three deities travel to the Gundicha Temple, which is regarded as their maternal aunt's home, and stay there for seven days.

Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha

The deities return after seven days, which is known as Bahuda Yatra. After returning from the Yatra, the three deities are adorned with gold ornaments; this ritual is known as Suna Besha. During this time, the deities look radiant, adorned with gold ornaments, and several devotees father to catch a glimpse of this divine form.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Puja Rituals and Mantras

Jagannath Rath Yatra Puja Rituals

• Wake up in the Brahma Muhurat, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
• Clean the temple or worship area, and install the idols or pictures of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
• Offer sandalwood paste (Chandan), flowers, Tulsi leaves, and yellow clothes to the deities.
• Light a diya and incense sticks, and perform the worship rituals traditionally.
• Offer Bhog of Khichdi, fruits, jaggery, sweets, and Mahaprasad to Lord Jagannath.
• Chant the mantras of the Lord while meditating upon the Rath Yatra.
• Lastly, perform the Aarti for the Lord and distribute the Prasad among family members.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Mantras

Om Jagannathaya Namah.

Jai Jagannath Swami, Nayan-pathagami Bhavatu Me.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Fasting Rituals

• On the auspicious day of Rath Yatra, take a bath early in the morning and observe a fast.
• Consume only sattvic food or fruits (Phalahar) throughout the day.
• Engage in Bhajans, Kirtans, and chant the mantras while meditating upon Lord Jagannath.
• Avoid anger, negative thoughts, and lies.
• Donate food, clothing, or money to needy people.
• Break your fast in the evening, after the Puja (worship) and Aarti.

What is Mahaprasad during the Jagannath Rath Yatra?

The Mahaprasad of the Jagannath Temple is extremely sacred. The food that is offered to the Lord as Bhog is known as Mahaprasad. It is prepared traditionally in earthen pots. The offering includes khichdi, lentils (Dal), rice, vegetables, sweets, and a variety of other dishes.

Donations During Rath Yatra

• Food grains and meals
• Clothing and footwear
• Fruits and sweets
• Water service (Jal Seva)
• Money to the needy people
• Service to cows (Gau Seva)

FAQs – Jagannath Rath Yatra