Every year, the holy town of Puri in Odisha comes alive with spirituality, devotion, and celebration as it hosts the Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the largest and oldest festivals in India. During this annual procession, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, embarks on a journey from the sacred Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. This event captivates thousands of devotees from around the world.
When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025? Date and timings
The much-awaited Rath Yatra will be celebrated on June 27, 2025. According to the traditional Hindu lunar calendar, the festival occurs on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashadha.
The Dwitiya Tithi for the yatra will run from June 26, 2025, 1:24 PM, to June 27, 2025, 11:19 AM. The celebrations effectively begin with Snana Purnima, the sacred bathing ritual, observed on June 12, 2025.
This is followed by the Anavasara period from June 13 to June 26, when the deities rest and remain unseen by devotees until the big procession.
Significance of Yagannath Rath Yatra
More than a religious event, the Rath Yatra is a symbolic celebration of universal love, inclusivity, and spiritual belonging. It invites people from every walk of life, regardless of caste, class, or creed, to come together and pull the massive chariots, embodying the idea that divinity is accessible to all.
The chariots, which move down the Grand Road of Puri, are more than just sacred vehicles; they represent life’s journey itself, reminding us that spirituality guides every step we take. In its essence, the Rath Yatra is a reminder that we're all connected and that the path to the divine is open to every seeker.
