Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, History, Significance & Global Celebrations

The grand Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India's most spiritually vibrant and widely attended festivals, is set to commence on June 27, 2025, in Puri, Odisha. Each year, this sacred event draws millions of devotees from across the globe, all eager to witness the divine procession of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. With meticulous planning, rich tradition, and profound spiritual symbolism, the Rath Yatra is more than just a journey—it's a celebration of faith, humility, and unity.

Rath Yatra 2025 Date and Auspicious Timings

• Main Event (Rath Yatra Day): Friday, June 27, 2025

• Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 1:24 PM, June 26

• Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 11:19 AM, June 27

The festival falls on the Dwitiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Ashadha, a date considered spiritually significant in the Hindu lunar calendar.

What is Jagannath Rath Yatra?

Rath Yatra, also known as Shree Gundicha Yatra, commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, from their residence at the Jagannath Temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt’s abode. The deities travel nearly 3 km in elaborately decorated chariots, a spectacle that symbolizes their willingness to meet and bless all devotees, including those who may not be allowed into the temple sanctum.

Rath Yatra Festival Schedule 2025 (Nine Days of Rituals)

The Making of the Chariots

Every year, new chariots are constructed for the deities using five types of sacred wood sourced from Odisha's forests in Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Keonjhar. These trees are marked with auspicious signs such as the Shankh (conch), Gada (mace), or Padma (lotus).

• No scale is used; instead, traditional wooden sticks measure the material.

• Over 200 artisans work daily from Akshaya Tritiya onward, completing the massive structures within 58 days.

• The chariots weigh over 200 tons and are dismantled after the festival, emphasizing sanctity and non-reusability.

Key Rituals and Their Spiritual Meaning

Chhera Panhara

Performed by Puri’s King, this symbolic act of sweeping the chariot platforms with a golden broom emphasizes humility and the belief that all are equal before the Lord.

Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey)

On July 4, the deities return to the Jagannath Temple. En route, they are offered Poda Pitha, a traditional cake, at the Mausimaa Temple.

Suna Besha (Golden Attire)

A day after the Bahuda Yatra, the deities appear in their resplendent golden adornments, attracting thousands for darshan at the temple gates.

Niladri Bijay

This marks the homecoming of the deities, bringing the Yatra to a close. On this day, devotees also celebrate Rasagola Divas, offering the sweet to Goddess Lakshmi to appease her for being left behind.

Global Celebrations: ISKCON’s Role in Spreading Devotion

ISKCON Prayagraj Rath Yatra – June 29, 2025

To ensure greater participation, ISKCON Prayagraj will conduct its Rath Yatra on Sunday, June 29, starting at 4:00 PM from Hira Halwai Crossing and concluding at KP Ground. The event aims to spread devotion and awareness among global followers.

Rath Yatra in Edinburgh, Scotland

The festival’s spiritual reach was also witnessed in Edinburgh, where ISKCON UK organized a Rath Yatra attended by Indian diplomats and local leaders. This event highlighted the universality of Jagannath's message of compassion and inclusiveness.

Why Millions Flock to Puri

Over 30 lakh devotees, including thousands of international visitors, gather in Puri during the Yatra. For many, pulling the chariots is a lifetime opportunity to earn moksha (liberation), while watching the Lord emerge from his sanctum is believed to wash away sins. According to sacred texts like the Bamadeva Samhita, witnessing the deities at Gundicha can even grant a place in Vaikuntha, the eternal abode.

A Living Legacy of Sanatan Dharma

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than just a festival—it's a living embodiment of India's Sanatan Dharma, uniting people across castes, nations, and beliefs in a shared spiritual experience. From Odisha to overseas, its message of love, humility, and devotion continues to resonate powerfully.

Also Read:

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Timings, ISKCON Celebrations, Rituals, and Full Schedule

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Begins with Snana Purnima: Check Complete Schedule and Significance