Rath Yatra 2025: Over 10 Lakh Devotees Expected as Puri Prepares for Lord Jagannath’s Grand 3-Km Chariot Journey on June 27
Puri gears up for Rath Yatra 2025 on June 27, with over 10 lakh devotees expected to witness Lord Jagannath’s 3-km chariot procession
Rath Yatra—also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra—is the annual sacred procession in Puri, Odisha, where the idols of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra are ceremoniously carried on three massive wooden chariots for a symbolic pilgrimage to the Gundicha TempleThis moving tableau allows millions worldwide to witness the deities up close, as they traditionally remain inside the sanctum.
Main event: Friday, 27 June 2025, corresponding to Dwitiya Tithi of Ashadha Shukla, beginning at 1:24 PM on 26 June and ending 11:19 AM on 27 June Distance: Approximately 3 km from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple along the iconic Bada Danda (Grand Road) Devotees: Expected participation exceeds 10 lakh (1 million) pilgrims
| Stage | Dates 2025 | Key Rituals |
|---|---|---|
| Snana Purnima | June 11 | 108-pot ceremonial bath; deities fall “ill” |
| Anavasara | June 13–26 | 15-day seclusion and healing |
| Gundicha Marjana | June 26 | Temple cleansing ritual |
| Rath Yatra | June 27 | Grand chariot procession begins ~4 PM |
| Hera Panchami | July 1 | Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha Temple |
| Bahuda Yatra | July 4 | Return procession |
| Suna Besha | July 5 | Deities adorned in ~208 kg gold ornaments |
| Niladri Bijay | July 5 | Return to inner sanctum |
Notably, Sandhya Darshan, Adhara Pana, and other local observances add layers of cultural meaning to the nine-day festival
Every year, three monumental wooden chariots are constructed from auspicious timbers sourced from Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Keonjhar. More than 200 artisans work for 58 days to craft structures exceeding 200 tons
Nandighosha (Jagannath): 16 wheels, ~44.2 ft tall
Taladhwaja (Balabhadra): 14 wheels, ~43.3 ft
Darpadalana (Subhadra): 12 wheels, ~42.3 ft
The articulated canopy colors—red/yellow for Jagannath, red/blue-green for Balabhadra, red/black for Subhadra—represent divine symbolism and tradition
Pahandi Bije: At ~9:30 AM on the 27th, the deities begin solemn procession to their chariots accompanied by drums and chants .
Chhera Pahnara: Between 2:30–3 PM, the Gajapati Maharaja sweeps the chariots with a gold broom, symbolizing humility and divine equality .
Pulling the Raths: Around 4 PM, tens of thousands pull the chariots down Bada Danda, invoking divine merit—a belief that it erases past sins .
Hera Panchami: On July 1, Goddess Lakshmi arrives at Gundicha Temple in playful protest, symbolizing divine balance .
Bahuda Yatra & Suna Besha: The return procession on July 4 is followed by golden-decor nuances on July 5 and the final reconciliation ritual—Niladri Bijay .
Odisha Police have issued detailed traffic directives, designating four-wheeler, two-wheeler, and shuttle zones to manage pilgrim influx
Security: Deployment includes Coast Guard, drones, AI cameras, and helicopter support to ensure a smooth procession
Transport: Railways have scheduled 365 special trains connecting Puri with key cities and regions
ISKCON chapters across India (e.g. Prayagraj on June 29) and abroad (Scotland, Edinburgh) are celebrating their own Raths, spreading global sangha energy
Social media buzzes with devotional messages, quotes, and greetings marking unity and festivity
Book early: Lodging in Puri fills fast—reserve weeks in advance
Complementary sites: Plan side trips to Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake, Bhubaneswar, Raghurajpur crafts village
Local cuisine: Experience temple-style Mahaprasad, Dalma, Chhena Poda, and Kanika in town eateries
Spiritual & cultural unity: Jagannath’s Rath Yatra showcases inclusivity—anyone, regardless of caste, creed, or nationality, can hold the chariot rope and receive blessings
Heritage preservation: Rituals like Chhera Pahnara, candlelit aartis, and traditional canopy designs highlight Odisha’s continuous devotion and its living heritage.
Global devotion: The festival is a testament to Hindu heritage reaching global audiences, with diaspora celebrations from Australia to the UK and local centers in India elevating its reach.
Dates: 27 June – Rath Yatra; 1–5 July – ongoing rituals.
Transport: Pre-book trains/flights to Bhubaneswar; connect to Puri via shuttle or taxi.
Stay: Reserve accommodations early in Puri or Bhubaneswar.
Security: Follow local advisories, carry minimal belongings.
Etiquette: Respect sanctity during rituals, dress modestly in white or saffron.
Hydration & Health: Stay hydrated, carry light snacks, arrive early along Bada Danda corridor.
Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri isn’t just a festival—it’s a spiritually resonant spectacle that reaffirms devotion, culture, and unity. Pilgrims can expect to:
- Experience the grand chariot procession of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
- Witness deep-rooted rituals like Chhera Pahnara and Suna Besha.
- Be part of a massive spiritual gathering that transcends geography and faith.
- Enjoy logistical support thanks to comprehensive security and transport planning.
Whether you’re a devotee, culture enthusiast, or traveler, Rath Yatra 2025 offers an unmissable journey into India’s timeless spiritual landscape.
