Rath Yatra 2025: 11 Fascinating Facts About Lord Jagannath’s Grand Festival

The sacred city of Puri in Odisha comes alive every year with chants, colours, and devotion during the world-renowned Jagannath Rath Yatra. In 2025, this divine chariot festival will take place on June 27, attracting millions of devotees from across the globe. While the grandeur of Rath Yatra is widely known, many little-known facts and traditions make this festival even more fascinating. Here’s a look at 11 facts of Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 that truly reflect its spiritual richness and cultural depth.

11 facts of Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025

1. A New Set of Chariots Every Year

Every year, around 200 artisans, including carpenters, woodcarvers, and painters, come together to construct three massive chariots from scratch, without using a single metal nail. The wood is sourced from select trees in secret forests of Nayagarh, marked by sacred symbols like the Shankh (conch) and Padma (lotus). The construction begins on Akshaya Tritiya and spans two months.

2. No Two Chariots Are Ever Different

What makes the process unique is that the size and design of the chariots have remained unchanged for centuries. Traditional tools and age-old methods passed down through generations ensure consistency in craftsmanship and spiritual authenticity.

3. Vibrant Canopies Crafted from 1200 Metres of Cloth

Each chariot is adorned with a beautifully designed canopy made from over 1,200 metres of fabric. These are hand-stitched by a dedicated team of 15 tailors, adding grandeur and divine allure to the yatra.

4. One of the Largest Annual Religious Gatherings

Over 10 lakh devotees gather annually in Puri for this event, making the Jagannath Rath Yatra one of the largest religious processions in the world. Foreign visitors also flock to witness the deities' public darshan, especially since non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple.

5. The King Who Becomes a Servant

In an extraordinary show of humility, the Gajapati King of Puri performs the ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual before the procession begins. Armed with a golden broom, he sweeps the area around the chariots, symbolizing that no one is above God, not even royalty.

6. The Sacred Ropes and the Immovable Chariot

The ropes used to pull the chariots are 8 inches thick and made from coconut fibre. A mysterious tradition says that Lord Jagannath’s chariot doesn’t move until great devotional effort is exerted—believed to be the Lord’s divine will.

7. The Deities ‘Fall Sick’ Before the Festival

On Snana Purnima, the deities are given a ceremonial bath using 108 pots of water. Post this ritual, they are believed to catch a divine cold and are kept in seclusion for 15 days—a period known as Anasara, during which they are treated with herbal remedies by temple priests.

8. The Bold Tradition of Dahuka Boli

Before the journey begins, a performer called the Dahuka recites “Dahuka Boli”—bold, earthy verses meant to spiritually energize the atmosphere. Despite their unorthodox nature, these chants are considered sacred and essential for initiating the chariot's movement.

9. The Delicacy that Delays the Return

During their stay at Gundicha Temple, the deities are offered ‘Poda Pitha’, a special pancake made from rice and jaggery. It is believed that Lord Jagannath does not return without partaking in this traditional sweet, highlighting its spiritual significance.

10. A Spiritual Drama – Hera Panchami

On the fifth day, Goddess Lakshmi expresses her displeasure over being left behind by visiting the chariots in royal splendour. She symbolically damages a part of the chariot in an act called Hera Panchami—a divine representation of marital emotions.

11. Liberation Through Sight – A Shastra’s Promise

According to sacred scriptures, “rathe ca vamanam drstva punar janma na vidyate”, meaning whoever witnesses the deities on their chariots is freed from the cycle of rebirth. This belief amplifies the festival's spiritual intensity.

Bonus: A Global Connection

In an intriguing cross-cultural note, The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ claims that Jesus Christ visited Jagannath Puri and witnessed the Rath Yatra nearly 2,000 years ago. Whether myth or fact, it speaks to the universal resonance of the festival.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is more than a religious procession—it is a living, breathing celebration of faith, humility, artistry, and timeless tradition. From sacred pancakes to bold street poetry, from divine colds to royal brooms, every ritual has a story, every chariot a legacy. As devotees throng the Grand Road of Puri this June, they become part of an eternal rhythm—one that unites generations through the divine pull of Lord Jagannath’s chariot.

Also Read:

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

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

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