In this blog, you will find Everything You Need To Know About Jagannath Rathyatra 2025.
When faith meets festivity, it creates moments that transcend time, and Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 is one such spectacle.
Held in the sacred town of Puri, Odisha, this iconic festival celebrates the annual ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, as they travel from the famous Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt’s home, nestled about 3 kilometers away.
The highlight of the Jagannath Rathyatra is the majestic procession of three giant, ornately decorated wooden chariots, pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees. This isn’t just an act of devotion, but a symbolic journey believed to cleanse sins and grant divine blessings. For devotees, pulling the chariot is like holding a rope to salvation.
It’s one of those rare events where the divine literally comes out to meet the people. We’ve curated this 101 guide to help you learn everything you need to know about the upcoming Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 – for attendees and non-attendees alike.
Like every year, Puri will host the Jagannath Rathyatra 2025. But the real question is, when is rathyatra 2025? Here’s the outline of the key dates and timings of the rathyatra.
The Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 will commence on Friday, June 27, 2025. The deities will spend nine days in the Gundicha Temple, with their return journey – or Bahuda Yatra – taking place on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
On the day of the Rath Yatra, the holy priests perform every ritual at an auspicious time. The day starts with the Mangala Alati, which will take place at 6:00 AM. Rath Pratishtha rituals follow this, which goes on until 9:00 AM.
Once these rituals are completed, it’s time for Pahandi – where the deities are moved from the Jagannath Temple’s sanctum and placed in their respective chariots. The procession will take place between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
Next comes the ritual of Chhera Pahara, where the king of the city, King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, dresses as a sweeper and performs the ceremonial sweeping of the deities’ chariots. The ritual takes place between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM, and is followed by the chariots’ pulling by the devotees, commencing at 4:00 PM.
If you’re unfamiliar with how to celebrate Jagannath rathyatra, this section is for you.
The beauty of Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 lies in its timeless rituals – age-old customs that preserve the heritage for centuries. Each ritual is not just a performance but a spiritual story in itself, woven with devotion, symbolism, and cultural pride.
While the yatra itself spans nine days, the rituals of rathyatra festival stretch longer. Here’s a closer look at the key traditions that shape this magnificent festival:
The festivities officially begin with Snana Purnima – a grand bathing ritual where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra ceremoniously bathe with 108 pots of sacred water drawn from special wells.
Devotees believe this elaborate bath purifies the deities and prepare them for their upcoming journey, but it also makes them ‘unwell’, which leads to the next phase.
Post their royal bath, the deities enter a secret chamber for a fortnight-long recuperation period known as Anasara. During this time, the public darshan halts, and the deities are tended to by a group of select priests and herbal medicines, symbolizing the idea of divine vulnerability and care.
Before the chariots roll out, the Gundicha Temple – their destination – is thoroughly cleaned in a sacred ritual called Gundicha Marjana. Devotees, priests, and servitors come together to sweep and purify the temple, preparing it to welcome the holy trio.
The grand spectacle begins as the deities are placed on their colossal, beautifully decorated chariots.
The highlight of Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 is when devotees gather in thousands to pull the ropes of the three chariots, a symbolic act believed to earn divine blessings and cleanse sins.
On the fifth day, Goddess Lakshmi, feeling slighted for being left behind, visits the Gundicha Temple in a lively ritual called Hera Panchami. Her visit is marked by playful drama and symbolic gestures of displeasure.
After a stay of nine days, the deities make their return journey to the Jagannath Temple in the Bahuda Yatra. On the way, they stop at the Mausi Maa Temple for a traditional treat of Poda Pitha – a sweet baked delicacy.
The day after the Bahuda Yatra, the deities remain seated on their grand chariots outside the Jagannath Temple. This is when Suna Besha takes place, where the devotees deck their deities with massive quantities of gold ornaments.
The next day is Adhara Pana, where a special drink is offered to the deities in their chariots. This drink is prepared from milk, cheese, sugar, and spices, and has a herbal undertone.
After the deities are served the drink in large earthen pots, the pots are broken as a gesture of gratitude, indicating that offerings are a prasaad for everyone.
Nildadri Bije is the last ritual of the Jagannath Rathyatra 2025, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, finally return to the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple.
This ritual also features a playful, symbolic confrontation with Goddess Lakshmi, who questions Jagannath for leaving her behind. After appeasing her with sweets and promises, the Lord is granted entry, bringing the nine-day-long chariot festival to a heartfelt, ceremonial conclusion.
Alt Image: Devotees gathered around Lord Jagannath’s statue during Rath Yatra
While Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 finds its spiritual heart in Puri, Odisha, the spirit of this ancient festival travels far and wide, transcending city borders and even continents.
Today, Rathyatra has grown into a truly global celebration, bringing together communities across India and the world in vibrant displays of faith, culture, and unity.
Several Indian cities host their own grand Rath Yatras, with festivities that echo the traditions of Puri.
Ahmedabad boasts one of the largest Rath Yatras after Puri, with elaborately decorated chariots and massive public processions. Kolkata, known for its deep spiritual roots, also celebrates the event with immense enthusiasm, drawing devotees from Bengal and beyond.
In Delhi, the capital, transforms with the sounds of kirtans and the sight of towering chariots moving through bustling streets. Cities like Ranchi and Hyderabad also observe the festival on a large scale, each adding its regional flavour to this sacred journey of Lord Jagannath.
The magic of Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 isn’t limited to India. Thanks to the global outreach of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Rathyatra processions now grace the streets of cities like London, New York City, Melbourne, Toronto, and Singapore.
The sight of massive chariots rolling through iconic avenues like London’s Trafalgar Square or New York’s Fifth Avenue is a testament to how deeply this festival resonates with people across cultures.
These international celebrations mirror the Puri rituals as closely as possible, complete with devotional songs, dances, free prasadam distribution, and the pulling of elaborately crafted chariots by eager devotees.
It’s a moving display of how ancient traditions continue to thrive, uniting people of diverse backgrounds under the shared banner of devotion and joy.
As the streets of Puri come alive with the chants of Jai Jagannath and the deities embark on their sacred journey, another tradition quietly weaves itself into the fabric of the Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 celebrations – the ritual of gifting and adorning beautiful sarees.
And when it comes to sarees, Tapobhumi’s beloved brands take centre stage, becoming household favourites during this festive period.
Known for its exquisite designer sarees, Tana Bana is a go-to label for festive gifting during Rathyatra. Families often exchange these elegant, thoughtfully crafted sarees as tokens of goodwill and celebration.
The intricate designs and fine fabrics make them ideal for offering to elders, relatives, and even for temple rituals.
If there’s one brand that knows how to sparkle, it’s Chamak. Their sarees – studded with Swarovski crystals, cut-dana detailing, and delicate mirror work – become showstoppers at Rathyatra gatherings and celebrations.
Whether worn for the festival or chosen as special gifts, these shimmering pieces reflect the festive spirit beautifully.
KSHEDAA’s stunning, embellished, and embroidered sarees see a surge in demand during Rathyatra, especially among women from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The brand’s ability to combine affordability with graceful, festive-ready designs makes it a cherished choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their festive wardrobe.
Amongst Odia women, CHPYI has carved a special place with its chic designer print sarees. These light, vibrant pieces are a massive hit for festive gifting and casual Rathyatra get-togethers.
Their contemporary motifs combined with traditional aesthetics make them a versatile pick for the season.
Jagannath Rathyatra is a shining example of India’s cultural diplomacy at work.
Every year, vibrant Rathyatra processions roll through the streets of New York, London, Johannesburg, Paris, and Melbourne, thanks to ISKCON and Indian diaspora communities. These events serve as living showcases of India’s spiritual heritage, drawing people from all walks of life into its fold.
Beyond the streets, Lord Jagannath’s symbolism runs deep in Indian art, literature, and craft. From ancient Pattachitra paintings to temple architecture and contemporary fashion, his presence bridges tradition with modern artistic expression.
What’s remarkable is how devotion is evolving into a defining marker of modern Indian identity. In a world chasing digital distractions, age-old practices like pulling the Lord’s chariot, offering prasad, and participating in mass kirtans are reclaiming cultural pride.
Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 is more than a festival. It’s India’s soft power in motion, gracefully blending faith, art, and identity on the global stage.
Jagannath Rathyatra 2025 is more than a tradition; it’s a living celebration of faith, culture, and community. From the sacred streets of Puri to the bustling avenues of New York and London, this festival beautifully unites people in devotion and joy.
As the chariots roll and chants fill the air, it reminds us of India’s rich spiritual roots and its timeless ability to connect hearts across borders. Wherever you are, this Rathyatra, be a part of the journey.
After Snana Purnima, the deities ‘catch a fever’ and rest in seclusion for 15 days. This human-like vulnerability makes the divine more relatable and compassionate to devotees.
Yes, they can. One of Rathyatra’s most inclusive traits is that anyone, regardless of religion or background, can pull the chariot and join the celebrations.
Yes, devotees prepare dishes like Khichdi, Poda Pitha (rice cake), and Rasagulla and offer it all to Lord Jagannath during this time.
Aside from traditional silks and cottons, contemporary sarees with tribal motifs, hand-painted Pattachitra art, and temple-inspired borders are gaining popularity.
Sarees are symbols of grace and prosperity. Offering one during Rathyatra is believed to bring good fortune and deepen familial and spiritual bonds.
Designer sarees are an investment. At Tapobhumi, we bring this investment within your reach, offering designer-level sarees that are best in their respective segments.
Whether you’re looking for something traditional or modern, our sarees offer the perfect blend of artistry and personal preference.
And what are designer sarees if not pieces of wearable art?
This concludes the blog on ‘Jagannath Rathyatra 2025: Date, Rituals & Everything You Need to Know‘
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