The city of Puri in Odisha is getting ready for the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, one of the most important festivals in India. This year, the yatra will begin on Friday, June 27, 2025. The festival marks the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in large wooden chariots. It is also called the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra. Every year, lakhs of people from India and other countries come to Puri to take part in this holy event.
As per the Hindu calendar, the Rath Yatra happens on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. According to Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi will begin at 1:24 PM on June 26 and end at 11:19 AM on June 27, 2025. It is believed that during this time, Lord Jagannath visits his aunt’s temple, which is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. This journey is a symbol of love, faith, and humility.
To make the event successful, the city is being cleaned, temples are being decorated, and thousands of volunteers and police are working to manage the crowd. Traditional rituals like building the chariots, devotional singing, cultural programs, and religious speeches are filling the city with a spiritual and joyful feeling.
Rituals & Schedule: A Nine-Day Spiritual Journey
The Rath Yatra celebrations extend beyond a single day. The rituals and festivities unfold over nine days, each holding symbolic importance in Jagannath tradition. The series begins with Anavasara, the period when the deities remain hidden from public view for rest and recuperation. It ends on June 26, just before the chariots roll out.
On June 27, three majestic wooden chariots — each specially crafted over weeks — will carry the deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away. Devotees, including dignitaries, will take turns pulling the ropes of these chariots, a gesture considered immensely auspicious.
Key events following Rath Yatra include:
- Anavasara – Began on June 13 and ends on June 26
- Gundicha Marjana – June 26, 2025
- Rath Yatra – June 27, 2025
- Hera Panchami – July 1, 2025
- Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey) – July 4, 2025
- Suna Besha (Golden Attire Ceremony) – July 5, 2025
- Niladri Bijay (Return to Main Temple) – July 5, 2025
On the final day, Niladri Bijay, the deities return to their original abode in the Jagannath Temple, bringing the spiritual journey full circle.
Jagannath Rath Yatra in Delhi 2025
In Delhi, the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 will also be celebrated with great devotion in Oldest Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas New Delhi Starting 27th June 2025 – Experience the grandeur of Rath Yatra celebrations and mesmerizing cultural performances at Jagannath Mandir, Hauz Khas, New Delhi. Just like in Puri, a beautiful chariot of Lord Jagannath will be pulled through the streets by devotees. The event includes singing bhajans, dancing, and sharing prasad. Many people from nearby areas come to take part, especially those who can’t go to Odisha. It’s a joyful and spiritual event that brings everyone together in devotion.
One of the main highlights of the day is that free prasad is distributed to all visitors at the Hauz Khas Jagannath Temple throughout the day, making the celebration even more special. Many people from across Delhi come to take part, especially those who can’t travel to Odisha. It’s a joyful and spiritual event that brings everyone together in devotion.
Click here for the Location of Oldest Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas New Delhi
Global Celebrations: Jagannath Rath Yatra in Scotland
Interestingly, Rath Yatra 2025 is seeing enthusiastic participation outside India too. In Edinburgh, Scotland, followers of Lord Krishna recently held a colorful Rath Yatra, supported by ISKCON and attended by dignitaries including the Vice Consul of India and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. In keeping with the ancient tradition, the Lord Provost performed the ceremonial act of sweeping the path before the chariot — a symbolic gesture of devotion and humility.
Read more about history of LordJagannath – Click Here