Rath Yatra 2025 in India

Rath Yatra is a grand Hindu festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, where the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are placed on massive chariots and pulled by devotees. This annual procession symbolizes unity and devotion, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists.

Rath Yatra: A Public Holiday?

Rath Yatra is a public holiday in Odisha, celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur. In other parts of India, it is not a public holiday but is observed by devotees through prayers and celebrations in temples.

Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most important festivals dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It originates from the temple town of Puri, Odisha, where it has been celebrated for centuries. The festival is believed to have started in ancient times to commemorate the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. This journey symbolizes the deities' visit to their birthplace. Historical records suggest that this tradition dates back to the 12th century when the Jagannath Temple was constructed.

Rath Yatra Celebration in India

Rath Yatra is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm, especially in Puri, Odisha. On this day, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are placed on three massive, elaborately decorated wooden chariots. Devotees from across the world gather to pull these chariots with long ropes, as pulling the chariots is considered a sacred act that grants blessings. The chariots are pulled through the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for nine days before returning to the Jagannath Temple.

Apart from Puri, Rath Yatra is also celebrated in other parts of India, such as Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi, where replicas of the chariot processions are organized. Devotees offer prayers, sing bhajans, and prepare prasadam as part of the celebration.

Rath Yatra is important because of its symbolic representation of equality and inclusivity. During the festival, devotees, irrespective of caste, creed, or status, come together to participate in the chariot pulling, symbolizing the unity of mankind. It is also a reminder of life's journey and the eternal connection between the divine and devotees. Rath Yatra is a religious event and a cultural spectacle reflecting India's rich spiritual heritage.

Rath Yatra Observances