Your Ultimate Guide to Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025

Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as Chariot Festival, is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in Puri, Odisha, India. It's a grand, vibrant event dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. It's the time when Lord Jagannath himself sets out on a ride to bless everyone who cannot visit him in person. 

If you are planning to participate in Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, here’s a brief guide to help you learn everything about the festival. 

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Dates

Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated with great pomp and show every year. The festival starts on the Ashadha Shukla dvitiya, i.e., during the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadh (June-July). Here’s a brief on the important dates and events of Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025:

Why is Jagannath Rath Yatra Celebrated?  

Although Jagannath Rath yatra is primarily celebrated in the glory of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and the goddess Subhadra, there are other mythological and spiritual reasons for this journey too.

According to some beliefs, the festival is a reenactment of the journey of deities from the temple to their aunt’s home (Gundicha Temple). The event symbolizes and celebrates the divine reunion of the family.

Meanwhile, the Rath Yatra is also seen as the divine journey of Lord Jagannath from the temple (signifying heaven) to the streets of Puri (the earth), to meet his devotees who somehow aren’t able to visit him. 

People from all walks of life come together to attend the festival regardless of caste, creed, and color, symbolizing that god is the same for all.

Rituals of Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025

Janannath Rath Yatra follows a series of rituals starting weeks before the final day. 

It all starts with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, when the construction of the three chariots for the Rath Yatra begins. 

Hereafter, the following set of rituals is performed during the festival:

1. Snana Purnima - The Bathing Ritual 

A few weeks prior to the festival, the idols of the three deities are given a bath using 108 pots of holy water. It's a belief that after this ritual, the deities catch cold and fall ill; hence are kept in isolation for rest and recovery. 

2. Anasara - The Isolation Period 

Anasara marks the 15-day isolation period during which the deities aren’t displayed to the devotees. During this time, they are given various herbal treatments for quick recovery. 

3. Chhera Pahara 

Now this is a unique ritual where the King of Puri - Shree Gajapati, who is also considered the first servitor of the Lord Jagannath, sweeps the three chariots using a golden broom. He then sprinkles sandalwood water and offers camphor aarti to welcome the deities. 

4. Pahandi 

Once the chariots are all set, all three deities are brought out in a grand procession and placed on their respective chariots. Loud chants from the devotees fill up the air, making it all an electrifying experience. You can literally feel the powerful energy in the surroundings when the deities make their way to the rath.  

5. The Beginning of Rath Yatra 

After the deities are placed on the chariots, the Rath Yatra to the Gundicha Temple begins. Herein, thousands of devotees come together to pull the chariots, walking them through the Grand Road to the Gundicha temple, which is a total distance of around 3 km. Upon reaching the destination, the dieties make a stay for seven days.

6. Hera Panchami

On the fifth day (the bright fortnight of Ashada) of their stay, it is said that goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath, visits Gundicha in search of him. According to a popular belief, when Lord Jagannath leaves his abode along with his siblings, he leaves Lakshmi behind. Feeling upset about the situation, the goddess visits the Gundicha temple and demands her Lord to return soon.  It is only after Lord Jagannath gives her the Agyan Mala (the garland of consent) that she calms down and returns back to her abode. 

7. Bahuda Yatra

The journey of the dieites returning to their abode, after 7 days of stay, is known as the Bahuda Yatra. Hereupon, the group of devotees pulls the three chariots yet again, carrying the same enthusiasm and joy. 

On their way back to the temple, the chariots stop by the Mausi Maa Temple (dedicated to Goddess Ardhasini), where the deities are served Poda Pitha, a traditional pancake made with fermented rice, black gram, coconut, and jaggery. 

8. Suna Besha

The next day after the Bahuda Yatra, all three deities are adorned with golden ornaments. This ritual is known as Suna Besha, which is a truly magnificent event to experience. 

9. Niladri Bijay 

Niladri Bijay is the last event of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, wherein the devotees are placed back in the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple. This marks the final return of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra to their abode. 

Types of chariots in Puri Rath Yatra 2025

The three chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are reconstructed every year using a specific kind of wood taken from trees like dhausa, phassi, etc. They are traditionally brought from the state of Dasapalla by a special team of carpenters who possess the hereditary rights for the same. 

Here’s a brief about all three chariots and their specifications: 

How to Reach Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025

Here are different options and modes of transportation to reach the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri, Odisha:

1. By Train: Puri Railway Station is well-connected to major cities. So you can take a train to reach your destination directly. 

2. By Air: The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the closest airport to Puri, which connects to major Indian cities. Upon reaching Bhubaneswar, you can book a taxi (costing around Rs. 1200 - Rs. 1500) or board a bus (costing Rs. 150 - Rs. 200) to reach Puri.

3. By Road: Lastly, you can also choose to take a bus or hire a private cab to reach Puri. The well-maintained highways through the route make it easy for you to reach Puri. 

Spiritual Benefits Of Participating in Rath Yatra 2025

Participating in the Jagannath Rath Yatra can bring immense blessings and spiritual benefits, some of which are listed below:

• Attainment of Moksha: According to the scriptures, participating in the rath yatra and pulling the chariots can free oneself from the cycle of birth and death and help attain Moksha (salvation).

• Fulfillment of Desires: It is widely believed that any heartfelt prayer (regarding health, wealth, or peace) made during the Rath Yatra directly reaches the deities and is answered promptly. 

• Blessings of the deities for generations: Taking part in Rath Yatra benefits not only the individual but their entire family through generations.

• Cleansing of Sins: Witnessing Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra right on their chariots is considered as auspicious as visiting the temple itself.  More so, according to the popular beliefs, getting just a glimpse of the dieties can wash away the sins of a lifetime. 

Besides this, Rath Yatra is also seen as a spiritual event promoting inclusivity as people from all walks of life come together to participate as one, regardless of caste, creed, and color.

Tips for Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 

Jagannath Rath Yatra is a big event, hence it's important to be well-prepared for the festival beforehand. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect visit: 

• Plan everything well in advance: This includes making all the bookings, especially for transportation and accommodation. 

• Arrive early: Try to arrive in Puri at least 2-3 days earlier than the main festival. This way, you’ll have enough time to settle in and explore the town. 

• Be mindful of the crowds: Jagannath Rath Yatra attracts thousands of devotees every year. Hence, be prepared for heavy crowds, and try to remain patient if things go haywire. 

• Dress Modestly: Wear appropriate clothing that keeps you comfortable and is in accordance with the culture and traditions of the festival.

• Care for your belongings: Avoid carrying any valuable belongings to the main event. And if you are to carry something, be mindful to keep it secure amidst the rush. 

• Stay Hydrated: Puri experiences a hot and humid weather during the months of June and July. Hence, make sure to keep yourself hydrated and wear sunscreen for sun protection.

• Be Respectful of the local culture and traditions: While in Puri, make sure to follow all the local customs and guidelines laid out for the chariot festival. This will help you with a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout your stay.    

Takeaway 

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that somewhere teaches us to stay humble, respect, and celebrate our culture and relationships while staying true to our values. The grand celebration, the large gathering of devotees, and the vibrant rituals of the chariot festivals bring together people from all backgrounds, instilling a sense of community and oneness. 

So, if you too are planning to participate in Rath Yatra 2025, immerse yourself completely in the experience and try connecting with the divine as you enjoy the festivities. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. When is the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025?
A. The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2025 is scheduled to begin on Friday, 27th June, 2025.

Q. What happens every 12 years in Jagannath Puri?
A. Approximately every 12 to 19 years, the Nabakalebara ceremony takes place in Jagannath Puri. During this ritual, the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshana are replaced with new ones. The timing is determined by the Hindu calendar, which specifically falls when two Ashadha months occur in a year. 

Q. Is the Jagannath Temple closed for 15 days?
A. Yes, following the Snana Purnima festival, wherein the deities are believed to fall ill and undergo a 15-day period of rest, the temple remains closed to devotees.

Q. Which is the biggest Rath Yatra in the world?
A. The Jagannath Rath Yatra held in Puri, Odisha, is considered the largest chariot festival in the world, attracting millions of devotees every year.

Q. What is the cost of VIP Darshan in Puri?
A. The cost of VIP Darshan in Puri is around Rs. 500 per person. This allows the devotees a quick and closer view of the deities.