Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025: Dates, Timings & Route Plan Revealed
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One of the most revered Hindu festivals in India, the Puri Rath Yatra is a spiritual event of immense cultural, historical, and religious significance. Celebrated in Odisha, the annual chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, draws millions of devotees from across the world. In 2025, the grandeur of this age-old festival is expected to reach new heights as elaborate preparations are already underway. Here’s a detailed look at the complete schedule, procession route, and key rituals that mark this sacred event.
The festival usually falls in the month of Ashadha (June-July), and preparations begin months in advance with the construction of the three chariots, each made anew every year using sacred wood.
Netrotsava (Divine Reawakening) – 24 June 2025
Deities are visually revealed to devotees after their recovery from illness.
Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) – 25 June 2025
The day when the three deities leave the Jagannath Temple in their majestic chariots.
Hera Panchami (Goddess Lakshmi’s Visit) – 29 June 2025
Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple to express her displeasure at being left behind.
Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey) – 2 July 2025
The return procession from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple.
Suna Besha (Golden Attire Ceremony) – 3 July 2025
The deities are adorned with gold ornaments and presented in regal form.
Niladri Bije (Re-entry to Main Temple) – 4 July 2025
The divine triad returns to their sanctum at the Jagannath Temple, concluding the Yatra.
Each deity travels in a specially crafted chariot:
Lord Balabhadra: Taladhwaja chariot (14 wheels)
Devi Subhadra: Darpadalana chariot (12 wheels)
The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, retraces the same route in the opposite direction. En route, the chariots briefly stop at Mausi Maa Temple (Aunt’s temple) where a special offering of Poda Pitha (a traditional baked sweet) is made.
The entire festival is managed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, with help from the Odisha government, and is heavily guarded to ensure crowd safety, given the scale of attendance.
Mobile connectivity may be limited during peak hours due to security restrictions, so pre-planning is essential. Wearing light, traditional clothing and carrying minimal belongings is recommended for those walking alongside the chariots.
What Is Puri Rath Yatra and Why Is It Celebrated?
The Puri Rath Yatra, also known as the Jagannath Rath Yatra, commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is located nearly 3 kilometres away. The deities travel in massive wooden chariots pulled by devotees using thick ropes, signifying a spiritual connection and surrender to divine will. This journey symbolises a divine vacation, where the gods step out to meet their devotees, breaking the usual temple sanctity boundaries.The festival usually falls in the month of Ashadha (June-July), and preparations begin months in advance with the construction of the three chariots, each made anew every year using sacred wood.
Important Dates of Rath Yatra 2025
The Rath Yatra in 2025 will begin on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, with the grand procession of chariots (known as Pahandi). Here’s a look at the major associated dates:- Snana Purnima (Bathing Festival) – 11 June 2025
Marks the ceremonial bathing of the deities with 108 pitchers of water. After this, the deities fall ill and rest for 15 days (Anasara period).
Deities are visually revealed to devotees after their recovery from illness.
The day when the three deities leave the Jagannath Temple in their majestic chariots.
Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple to express her displeasure at being left behind.
The return procession from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple.
The deities are adorned with gold ornaments and presented in regal form.
The divine triad returns to their sanctum at the Jagannath Temple, concluding the Yatra.
The Route of the Rath Yatra Procession
The journey begins from the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. The chariots are pulled on Bada Danda (Grand Road), which is a wide and sacred pathway running through the heart of Puri. The deities travel nearly 3 km to the Gundicha Temple, where they reside for seven days.Each deity travels in a specially crafted chariot:
- Lord Jagannath: Nandighosha chariot (16 wheels, approx. 45 feet high)
Significance of the Chariots and Rituals
Each aspect of the Rath Yatra is deeply symbolic. The pulling of the chariots by devotees signifies participation in the divine journey and the breaking down of caste, status, and class divisions. The huge wooden chariots are considered to embody the form of the deities themselves, making their presence accessible to even those who cannot enter the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple.The entire festival is managed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, with help from the Odisha government, and is heavily guarded to ensure crowd safety, given the scale of attendance.
What Devotees and Visitors Should Know
Travellers planning to witness Rath Yatra 2025 should aim to arrive a few days early. Puri becomes extremely crowded during this time, and it is advisable to book accommodations in advance. While photography is restricted inside the Jagannath Temple, it is allowed along the Grand Road during the procession.Mobile connectivity may be limited during peak hours due to security restrictions, so pre-planning is essential. Wearing light, traditional clothing and carrying minimal belongings is recommended for those walking alongside the chariots.
A Celebration Beyond Borders
Though rooted in Odisha, the Rath Yatra is now celebrated across India and even in many parts of the world. However, the spiritual essence and cultural authenticity of the Puri Rath Yatra remain unmatched. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for devotees and spiritual seekers alike.Next Story