The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, India, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra. Below are the full details regarding the dates, timings, rituals, and significance of the festival, based on the most reliable and consistent information available.
Key Dates and Timings for Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025
- Main Event Date: The Jagannath Rath Yatra will commence on Friday, June 27, 2025, on the Dwitiya Tithi (second lunar day) of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashadha, as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
- Dwitiya Tithi Timing:
- Festival Duration: The festival spans nine days, from June 27 to July 5, 2025, concluding with the Niladri Bijay (return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple).
- Broadcast Timing (Puri, Odisha): A running commentary of the Rath Yatra will be aired by Akashvani AIR on June 27, 2025, in two phases:
- First Phase: 11:10 AM to 12:00 PM IST
- Second Phase: 3:10 PM to 4:00 PM IST
Note: Some sources, such as and, mention June 26, 2025, as the start date, which may reflect the beginning of the Dwitiya Tithi or preliminary rituals like Gundicha Marjana. However, the majority of reliable sources confirm June 27, 2025, as the main procession day.
Key Rituals and Schedule
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a vibrant festival involving a grand procession of the deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple (approximately 3 km away), symbolizing Lord Jagannath’s journey to his aunt’s home or his birthplace. Below is the detailed schedule of rituals:
- Akshaya Tritiya (April 30, 2025):
- Marks the formal start of preparations, with the construction of the three chariots for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra beginning on this auspicious day.
- Snana Purnima (June 12, 2025):
- The deities are bathed with 108 pots of sacred water from the Golden Well of the Jagannath Temple in a ceremonial ritual called Snana Yatra.
- After this bath, the deities are believed to fall ill and are kept in isolation for 15 days (Anavasara period, June 13–June 26, 2025), during which they are not available for public darshan. They are treated with herbal remedies, and special Anasara Patti paintings are displayed for devotees.
- Gundicha Marjana (June 26, 2025):
- The day before the main Rath Yatra, the Gundicha Temple is thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the deities’ arrival. This ritual symbolizes spiritual purification.
- Rath Yatra (Main Procession, June 27, 2025):
- The main event begins with the Pahandi ritual, where the deities are ceremoniously brought out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on their respective chariots.
- The Chhera Panhara ritual is performed by the King of Puri (Gajapati), who sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, sprinkles sandalwood water, and offers camphor aarti, symbolizing equality before the divine.
- The procession travels along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) to the Gundicha Temple, with thousands of devotees pulling the chariots. The chariots are:
- The procession is accompanied by traditional music, chants, and performances like Banati (fire-spinning) and Dahuka Boli (poetic recitations).
- Hera Panchami (July 1, 2025):
- On the fifth day, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Jagannath’s consort, visits the Gundicha Temple in a palanquin to express her displeasure at being left behind. She is offered an Agyan Mala (garland of consent) by Lord Jagannath to appease her.
- Bahuda Yatra (July 4, 2025):
- The return journey of the deities from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple. The procession stops briefly at the Mausi Maa Temple (dedicated to Goddess Ardhashini), where the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a special pancake.
- Suna Besha (July 5, 2025):
- After returning to the Jagannath Temple, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments weighing nearly 208 kg, in a spectacular ritual called Suna Besha. This event attracts lakhs of devotees.
- Niladri Bijay (July 5, 2025):
- The final ritual, where the deities are ceremoniously welcomed back to the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple, marking the conclusion of the festival.
Significance and Mythology
- Spiritual Significance:
- The Rath Yatra symbolizes Lord Jagannath’s journey from the temple (heaven) to the streets (earth) to bless devotees, promoting equality and unity across castes and religions.
- Pulling the chariots is believed to cleanse sins, grant spiritual merit, and help devotees attain Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
- The festival is rooted in the belief that Lord Jagannath visits his birthplace or his aunt’s home (Gundicha Temple), fulfilling Goddess Subhadra’s wish to see the city.
- Mythological Story:
- According to legend, Goddess Subhadra expressedម
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Mythological Story (Continued)
- According to legend, Goddess Subhadra expressed her desire to visit the city of Puri. To fulfill her wish, Lord Jagannath and his brother Lord Balabhadra accompanied her on a chariot ride to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt’s home or Lord Jagannath’s birthplace (linked to Mathura in some traditions). This journey is reenacted annually as the Rath Yatra, symbolizing the deities’ divine outing and their accessibility to all devotees, regardless of caste or religion.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Full Details
Overview
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a grand Hindu festival held annually in Puri, Odisha, India, celebrating the journey of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna), his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, approximately 3 km away. The festival, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is a vibrant display of devotion, unity, and cultural heritage, attracting millions of devotees and tourists worldwide. It is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, rooted in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, and Padma Purana, and is considered a symbol of equality and spiritual liberation.
Key Dates and Timings
- Main Procession Date: Friday, June 27, 2025, on the Dwitiya Tithi (second lunar day) of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashadha.
- Dwitiya Tithi Timing:
- Festival Duration: June 27 to July 5, 2025 (9 days), concluding with Niladri Bijay, the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple.
- Broadcast Timing (Puri, Odisha): Live commentary by Akashvani AIR on June 27, 2025:
- First Phase: 11:10 AM to 12:00 PM IST
- Second Phase: 3:10 PM to 4:00 PM IST
- Note on Date Discrepancy: Some sources mention June 26, 2025, as the start date, likely due to the Dwitiya Tithi beginning on June 26 or preliminary rituals like Gundicha Marjana. However, June 27, 2025, is widely confirmed as the main procession day.
Detailed Schedule of Rituals
The festival includes several rituals over nine days, each with deep spiritual significance:
- Akshaya Tritiya (April 30, 2025):
- The construction of the three massive wooden chariots begins, marking the formal start of preparations.
- Snana Purnima (June 12, 2025):
- The deities are bathed with 108 pots of sacred water from the Golden Well in the Snana Yatra ritual.
- Post-bath, the deities are believed to fall ill and are kept in isolation for 15 days (Anavasara, June 13–June 26, 2025). During this period, they are treated with herbal remedies, and Anasara Patti (traditional Oriya paintings) are displayed for devotees.
- Gundicha Marjana (June 26, 2025):
- The Gundicha Temple is cleaned to prepare for the deities’ arrival, symbolizing spiritual purification.
- Rath Yatra (Main Procession, June 27, 2025):
- The deities are brought out in the Pahandi ritual and placed on their chariots.
- The Chhera Panhara ritual is performed by the Gajapati King of Puri, who sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, sprinkles sandalwood water, and offers camphor aarti, symbolizing equality.
- The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) to the Gundicha Temple. The chariots are:
- Accompanied by music, chants, Banati (fire-spinning), and Dahuka Boli (poetic recitations).
- The journey takes several hours due to the large crowds.
- Hera Panchami (July 1, 2025):
- Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple to express her displeasure at being left behind. She is offered an Agyan Mala (garland of consent) by Lord Jagannath.
- Bahuda Yatra (July 4, 2025):
- The return journey from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple, with a stop at the Mausi Maa Temple (dedicated to Goddess Ardhashini) to offer Poda Pitha (a special pancake).
- Suna Besha (July 5, 2025):
- The deities are adorned with gold ornaments (weighing ~208 kg) in a grand ritual, attracting lakhs of devotees.
- Niladri Bijay (July 5, 2025):
Significance
- Spiritual Importance:
- The Yatra symbolizes Lord Jagannath’s journey from the temple (heaven) to the streets (earth), making him accessible to all, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, promoting equality and unity.
- Pulling the chariots is believed to cleanse sins, grant blessings, and aid in attaining Moksha (liberation).
- It is one of the most significant of the 12 annual journeys of Lord Jagannath, as per the Skanda Purana.
- Cultural Impact:
- The festival features music, dance, and folk theatre, showcasing Odisha’s rich heritage.
- It attracts millions, including foreigners, fostering communal harmony.
- Historical Roots:
- Believed to have originated in the 12th century during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva or linked to King Indradyumna, who built the Jagannath Temple.
- The deities’ wooden idols are replaced every 12–19 years in the Nabakalebara ritual.
Additional Details
- Chariots:
- Constructed anew each year using specific woods, adorned with vibrant decorations.
- Pulled by 50-meter ropes, with devotees believing participation earns spiritual merit.
- Global Celebrations:
- Besides Puri, the Yatra is celebrated in places like Ahmedabad, Gujarat (July 27, 2025, at 7:00 AM), Delhi (June 27–July 7, 2025), and internationally in the USA (e.g., Centennial, CO; Fremont, CA; Jackson, MS; New York City) on June 27–29, 2025.
- ISKCON organizes the Yatra globally, with events like the one in Prayagraj on June 29, 2025, to maximize participation.
- Travel Tips:
- By Train: Puri Railway Station is well-connected to major cities.
- By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar), then take a taxi (~₹1200–1500) or bus (~₹150–200) to Puri.
- By Road: Well-maintained highways make bus or cab travel convenient.
Sources
- Information is compiled from reliable sources, including Drik Panchang, Hindu calendars, and festival websites, ensuring accuracy.
- Discrepancies (e.g., June 26 vs. June 27) were cross-checked, with June 27 confirmed as the main procession day by most authoritative sources.
This is a comprehensive overview of the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, covering dates, timings, rituals, and significance. If you need specific details (e.g., travel plans, specific rituals, or global events), let me know!
