Divine Spectacle and Enduring Faith: Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 Commences in Odisha
Puri, Odisha, India – June 27, 2025 – The sacred city of Puri in Odisha today erupted in a crescendo of devotion and fervor as millions of devotees converged to witness the commencement of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025. This ancient and globally revered Chariot Festival, also known as Shree Gundicha Yatra, marks the annual nine-day journey of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister Goddess Subhadra from the majestic Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their revered maternal aunt’s abode.
The auspicious occasion, observed on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the lunar month of Ashadha, began today, Friday, June 27, 2025. The Dwitiya Tithi commenced at 1:24 PM on June 26, 2025, and concluded at 11:19 AM on June 27, setting the stage for the grand procession.
The Sacred Journey and its Symbolism
The Rath Yatra is more than just a parade; it’s a profound spiritual event steeped in centuries of tradition and mythology. It symbolizes the deities stepping out of their sanctum sanctorum to meet their devotees, transcending social barriers and offering a rare opportunity for all to receive their divine blessings.
Months of meticulous preparation precede the festival, involving the intricate crafting of three magnificent wooden chariots:
Nandighosa: The 18-wheeled chariot of Lord Jagannath, adorned in yellow and red.
Taladhwaja: The 16-wheeled chariot of Lord Balabhadra, identified by its green and red hues.
Darpadalana (or Devadalana): The 14-wheeled chariot of Goddess Subhadra, characterized by its black, red, and yellow colors.
These colossal chariots are constructed anew each year from specific types of neem wood, locally known as ‘Daru Brahma,’ upholding ancient rituals and craftsmanship.
The day’s rituals began with Mangala Aarti, followed by Mailam, Tadapalagi, and the sacred ‘Pahandi’ – the ceremonial procession where the deities are brought out of the temple in a slow, swaying movement by the temple servitors to their respective chariots parked in front of the Lion’s Gate (Singhadwara). This deeply emotional spectacle culminates in the ‘Chhera Pahanra,’ where the Gajapati King of Puri performs the ritualistic sweeping of the chariot platforms with a golden broom, symbolizing humility and the equality of all individuals before the divine.
While a minor delay was reported during the initial chariot pulling of Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot due to maneuvering challenges and an overwhelming crowd, officials are working to ensure a smooth procession for the rest of the journey and the upcoming Bahuda Yatra. The commitment of devotees remained unwavering, braving even overnight drizzles to participate in this divine spectacle.
A Nine-Day Extravaganza of Faith
The Rath Yatra is a nine-day celebration marked by a series of significant rituals:
Snana Purnima (June 11-12, 2025, in the preceding period): The ceremonial bathing of the deities with 108 pots of holy water, after which they enter a 15-day period of seclusion known as Anavasara (June 13-26), during which they are believed to recuperate and are not visible to the public.
Gundicha Marjana (June 26, 2025): The ritual cleaning and sanctification of the Gundicha Temple, preparing it for the deities’ arrival.
Rath Yatra (June 27, 2025): The grand procession from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.
Hera Panchami (July 1, 2025): On the fifth day, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Jagannath’s consort, symbolically visits the Gundicha Temple, expressing her displeasure at her husband’s prolonged absence.
Bahuda Yatra (July 4, 2025): The highly anticipated return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Temple.
Suna Besha (July 5, 2025): The deities are adorned in magnificent golden ornaments, attracting massive crowds.
Niladri Bijay (July 5, 2025): The final ritual marking the deities’ ceremonial re-entry into the Jagannath Temple, and the dismantling of the chariots, symbolizing the cycle of renewal.
Safety and Global Reach
Given the anticipated turnout of 10-12 lakh devotees, the Puri district administration and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) have implemented elaborate security measures. Over 10,000 security personnel, including eight companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), police drones, anti-sabotage teams, bomb squads, and dog squads, have been deployed. NSG snipers have taken positions on rooftops along the Grand Road, and coastal patrolling has been intensified. More than 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras are ensuring round-the-clock surveillance.
The Rath Yatra’s significance extends far beyond Odisha’s borders. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) organizes similar chariot festivals globally, spreading the message of Lord Jagannath’s universal love and brotherhood. This year, for instance, ISKCON Prayagraj is holding its Rath Yatra on June 29, 2025, attracting large participation.
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is not merely a festival; it is a vibrant expression of India’s rich cultural heritage, deep-rooted faith, and the enduring power of devotion. As the chariots roll down the Grand Road, pulled by the collective strength of millions, they carry with them not just the divine idols, but also the hopes, prayers, and unshakeable faith of humanity.