Shree Gundicha Yatra, Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra Puri Dham 2025! With Key Dates.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: A Sacred Procession of Timeless Devotion and Ancient Splendor.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, fondly called the “Jagannath Puri Yatra,” stands as one of Bharat’s most sacred and magnificent festivals. Held every year in the holy town of Puri, Odisha, this divine celebration is a glorious homage to Mahaprabhu Jagannath — the Lord of the Universe — along with his elder brother Mahabahu Balabhadra and their beloved sister Devi Subhadra. As the Odia saying goes, “sara jagatara natha sehi Jagannath” (Even the one who has nothing, has Jagannath), such is the depth of devotion the people hold for the Lord.

In 2025, the Rath Yatra of Puri promises once again to be a vibrant confluence of bhakti (devotion), loka parampara (folk traditions), and divine spectacle. With millions of hearts beating in rhythm to the sacred chants and the massive chariots rolling on the Grand Road (Bada Danda), the city transforms into a living hymn. As the age-old saying reminds us, “Mahaprabhu ra leela atindriya” (The Lord’s play is beyond human senses), this article seeks to guide you through the mystical journey of this most revered Yatra — a festival where tradition walks with time and faith rides on wheels.

What is Rath Yatra?

Rath Yatra is a grand spiritual procession in which the revered deities of the Jagannath Temple—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—embark on a divine journey to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be the residence of their maternal aunt. During this sacred event, the deities are placed atop three colossal and ornately decorated wooden chariots, known as raths, each uniquely crafted with traditional designs and symbolism.

Drawn by the hands of thousands of faithful devotees, the act of pulling the chariots is considered an offering of pure devotion (bhakti) and is believed to bring auspiciousness and spiritual merit. Ancient scriptures, especially the Skanda Purana, revere this sacred yatra as the most exalted among the twelve annual sojourns undertaken by Lord Jagannath.

It is firmly believed that a single glimpse (darshan) of the deities on their majestic chariots during this divine journey can absolve one of past sins and bestow the blessings of the Lord—a rare and transformative spiritual experience.

The Magnificent Three Chariots

At the heart of the Rath Yatra are the three splendid chariots, each one a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship and deep symbolic meaning. Towering and majestic, these wooden raths are constructed anew each year by skilled artisans using sacred neem wood (Daru Brahma), following age-old rituals and measurements described in ancient scriptures.

1. Nandighosha Ratha(Chariot of Lord Jagannath)
   Painted in vibrant red and yellow, this is the tallest chariot, standing about 45 feet high and supported by 16 wheels. It is adorned with a majestic chakra (disc) and a garuda (eagle) emblem, symbolizing Lord Vishnu’s divine presence.

2. Taladhwaja Ratha(Chariot of Lord Balabhadra)
   Recognized by its green and red color scheme, Taladhwaja is slightly smaller, with 14 wheels. It bears the palm tree (tala) symbol and is a reflection of Lord Balabhadra’s strength and valor.

3. Darpadalana Ratha(Chariot of Devi Subhadra)
   Decorated in black and red, this chariot has 12 wheels and carries the lotus emblem. The name Darpadalana means “crusher of pride,” signifying the gentle yet powerful energy of the goddess.

Each chariot has its own distinct rituals, crew, and guardian deities, and the journey they make from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple is not just a physical procession, but a deeply spiritual passage that draws millions of devotees from across the world.

Attribute	Nandighosha (ନନ୍ଦିଘୋଷ)	Taladhwaja (ତାଳଧ୍ୱଜ)	Darpadalana (ଦର୍ପଦଳନ)
Alternate Names	Garudadhwaja, Kapidhwaja	Langaladhwaja	Devadalana, Padmadhwaja
Number of Wheels	16	14	12
Wooden Pieces Used	832	763	593
Height	44′ 2″	43′ 3″	42′ 3″
Length × Breadth	34’6″ × 34’6″	33′ × 33′	31’6″ × 31’6″
Canopy Colours	Red, Yellow (Yellow – Vishnu)	Red, Bluish Green	Red, Black (Black – Goddess)
Guardian Deity	Garuda	Vasudeva	Jayadurga
Charioteer	Daruka	Matali	Arjuna
Flag Name	Trailokyamohini	Unnani	Nadambika
Flag Emblem		Palm Tree
Horses’ Names	Shankha, Balahaka, Shweta, Haridashwa	Tibra, Ghora, Dirghasharma, Swarnanava	Rochika, Mochika, Jita, Aparajita
Horses’ Colour	White	Black	Red
Chariot Rope Name	Sankhachuda Nagini	Basuki Naga	Swarnachuda Nagini
Accompanying Deity	Madanmohan	Ramakrishna	Sudarshana
Gatekeepers (Dvarapalas)	Jaya, Vijaya	Nanda, Sunanda	Ganga, Jamuna
Nine Parshvadevatas (Side Deities)	Panchamukhi Mahabir, Harihara, Madhusudana, Giridhar, Pandu Narasingha, Chintamani Krishna, Narayana, Chatra Bhanga Rabana, Rama on Hanuman	Ganesha, Kartikeya, Sarvamangala, Pralambari, Halayudha, Mrityunjaya, Natamvara, Mukteswar, Sheshadeva	Chandi, Chamunda, Ugratara, Banadurga, Shulidurga, Varahi, Shyamakali, Mangala, Vim

Why Rath Yatra is Celebrated – A Devotee’s Perspective-

For the Odia people, Rath Yatra is not just a festival—it is the heartbeat of their spiritual existence, the divine moment when Mahaprabhu Jagannath leaves His sanctum to come closer to His beloved devotees. As per sacred belief, this is the time when the Lord returns to His janmabhoomi (birthplace), symbolized by the Gundicha Temple, much like visiting His Mausi Maa’s home—a gesture deeply rooted in Odia family traditions.

To the devoted hearts of Odisha, this journey is more than ritual; it is karuna ra pravaha (a flow of divine compassion). It signifies the Lord’s descent from the heavenly throne to the dust-laden streets, reminding us that He belongs to all—rich or poor, Brahmin or laborer. As an Odia proverb goes, “Jagannathanka raaje, sabu loka samana“ – In Jagannath’s kingdom, all are equal.

The Rath Yatra reflects the soul’s eternal journey—moving through life’s joys and sorrows in search of moksha (liberation). When thousands pull the chariot ropes with moist eyes and chanting lips, it is not just wood and wheels being moved—it is shraddha (faith), bhakti (devotion), and prem (love) in motion.

To witness the Lord of the Universe come out to bless every eye and every heart—this is why Rath Yatra is celebrated. It is the festival where heaven touches earth, and the Lord walks among His children.

🛕 Rath Yatra 2025: Key Dates & Rituals Table

Date	Ritual / Event	Description
April 30, 2025	Akshaya Tritiya	Marks the beginning of Rath Yatra preparations. The first logs of sacred wood are brought to start constructing the three chariots.
June 11, 2025	Snana Purnima	The deities are bathed with 108 pots of holy water. They wear the ‘Gaja Besha’ (elephant attire). Public viewing is allowed on this day.
June 12–26, 2025	Anavasara	A 15-day period of seclusion and rest for the deities after the ceremonial bath. Special herbal treatments are offered; public darshan is restricted.
June 26, 2025	Gundicha Marjana	The Gundicha Temple is ritually cleaned to welcome the deities. Symbolizes internal spiritual cleansing.
June 27, 2025	Rath Yatra	The grand procession begins. The deities are placed on their chariots and pulled to the Gundicha Temple. The King performs ‘Chhera Panhara’ by sweeping the chariots.
July 1, 2025	Hera Panchami	Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple in search of Lord Jagannath. It is a symbolic reenactment of divine love and playful tension.
July 3, 2025	Sandhya Darshan	Evening viewing of the deities at the Gundicha Temple. It is considered highly meritorious, said to equal ten years of darshan at the main temple.
July 5, 2025	Bahuda Yatra	Return journey of the deities from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple. Stop at Mausi Maa Temple for ‘Poda Pitha’ offering.
July 6, 2025	Suna Besha	Deities are adorned with magnificent golden ornaments on the chariots — a breathtaking sight of divine opulence.
July 7, 2025	Adhara Pana	A sweet, cooling drink is offered to the deities. The pots are broken afterwards — symbolizing humility and universal sharing.
July 8, 2025	Niladri Bijay	The deities return to their sanctum in the Jagannath Temple, marking the conclusion of the Rath Yatra celebrations.