Historic Jagannath Rath Yatra begins in Puri amid sea of devotees

Mangalore Today News Network

Puri, Jul 16, 2026: The historic Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the world’s largest religious festivals, commenced with great grandeur and devotion in Puri, Odisha, on Thursday. Lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad have gathered in the holy city, which is reverberating with chants of "Jai Jagannath." The annual chariot festival was flagged off amid elaborate security arrangements.

A unique feature of the Puri Rath Yatra is that, unlike on regular days when devotees visit the temple for darshan, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra come out of the temple to bless devotees. The festival symbolises equality, as people of all castes, religions and social backgrounds are welcomed to seek the deities’ blessings.

According to Sanatan tradition, Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings, undertakes an annual journey of nearly three kilometres to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for nine days and receive special rituals and worship.

Another distinctive aspect of the festival is that the chariots are built anew every year. Construction begins on Akshaya Tritiya using specially selected wood. The three majestic chariots are named Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra, and Darpadalana for Goddess Subhadra. Devotees believe that pulling the sacred chariots or even touching their ropes with devotion absolves one of sins and brings divine blessings.

One of the most significant rituals of the Rath Yatra is the ’Chhera Pahanra’ ceremony. Before the chariots begin their journey, the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri ceremonially sweeps around the chariots with a golden-handled broom and sprinkles sandalwood-scented water. The ritual signifies that before the Almighty, everyone—whether a king or an ordinary devotee—is equal.

Rath Yatra Schedule
July 16: Rath Yatra begins with the Pahandi ritual and the pulling of the chariots.
July 17–23: The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple, where special rituals and prayers are conducted.
July 24: Bahuda Yatra, marking the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, the Odisha government and local administration have put in place extensive security measures, traffic management systems and other essential infrastructure for the convenience and safety of the lakhs of devotees visiting Puri.