Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra 2026

Full Date

16 July 2026 Morning 11:00 AM – 24 July 2026 Evening 7:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Ratha Yatra Procession

  The main procession where the three wooden chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.

  16 July 2026 11:00 AM – 16 July 2026 6:00 PM

• Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey)

  The return journey from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple celebrated on 24 July 2026 with rituals and the Suna Besha (Golden Attire) ceremony.

  24 July 2026 10:00 AM – 24 July 2026 7:00 PM

Introduction

Ratha Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, is one of the most sacred Hindu celebrations held annually in Puri, Odisha. It marks the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra as they travel from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, symbolizing their annual visit to their aunt’s home.

Other Names

Jagannath Rath Yatra, Puri Car Festival, Chariot Festival of Puri

Pooja Vidhi

• Cleanse the surroundings and take a purifying bath before sunrise.
• Offer flowers, Tulsi leaves, and sweets to Lord Jagannath before the procession begins.
• Chant the ‘Jagannath Ashtakam’ and recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Light incense, diyas, and perform aarti facing east.
• Visit temples or join community chariot-pulling rituals with devotion.

Rituals

• The idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are placed on their chariots — Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana.
• Devotees pull the massive chariots with ropes chanting ‘Jai Jagannath’.
• Ceremonial music with drums and conch shells accompanies the procession.
• At Gundicha Temple, the deities rest for nine days, symbolizing the completion of their visit.
• The Bahuda Yatra marks their return to Jagannath Temple.

Regional Highlights

• Puri in Odisha hosts the main Ratha Yatra, attracting over a million devotees each year.
• At Ahmedabad, the ISKCON temple organizes a grand Rath Yatra replicating Puri traditions.
• In Kolkata, Rath Yatra is celebrated with processions and cultural programs across the city.
• Smaller scale Rath Yatras take place in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and international ISKCON centers worldwide.

History

Ratha Yatra traditions date back to ancient times, described in Puranas such as Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, and Padma Purana. The festival reflects universal brotherhood and equality — on this occasion, even non-Hindus may have darshan of the deities as they come out of the sanctum. The chariots are rebuilt annually using sacred wood, representing new beginnings.

Additional Information

• Ratha Yatra represents the journey of the soul from ignorance to enlightenment under divine guidance.
• It is the only day when the public can have direct darshan of the deities outside the temple.
• Every 12 to 19 years, the Nabakalebara ceremony marks renewal of the wooden deities and chariots.