Top 14 Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival Celebrations 2025

Do you want to participate in the Rath Jatra? I share the top Rath Yatra details in India and other countries annually. It is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath and one of the most famous festivals in India.

The main carnival is performed in Odisha. Other countries, such as New York, Japan, London, Prague, South Africa, etc., celebrate Jagannath rath yatra with love.

The “Sidha Rath” procession starts on 27 June 2025, and the “Ulta Rath” date is 5 July 2025 in many places in India, such as Kolkata, Orissa, etc.

1. Puri Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra – The cart festival

Every year, Puri celebrates the Rath Yatra/ Bahuda Tour on the ‘Shukla Tithi’ of the Bengali month of “Asar“, and in June, they celebrate it in Puri.

These chariots, well decorated and colourfully designed, look like temples. They travel one by one on the same street and call the place Baddand. Gundicha Temple (Masir Bari) is 2 km from the main Jagannath temple, where this chariot begins.

Only Hindus are allowed to enter the Jagannath temple on regular days. On the only festive day, people from every caste and other countries see the Lord. The entire world of devotees and pilgrims becomes part of the chariot festival. The prime wishes of the pilgrims are to touch and pull the rope of the holy chariot.

There is so much crowd during this chariot journey that no one can even know. But, even so, people reach the rope regardless of their lives and find themselves happy.

With the three chariots of Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra, they make the three chariots for Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra every new year. These three chariots were decorated uniquely with bright red, yellow, blue, and black flags. The decoration is done on the temple’s east side main gate (the Lenghar).

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Description of the three chariots of the Rath Yatra

1. Nandighosa Rath 

Nandighosa Rath is the name of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, which is also called a caricature and Kaplagwaza. In this, Madan Mohan is given to God.

• Clothing colour – Red and Yellow colour
• Rakhwala – Garuda
• Name of Sarathi – Baru
• Flag (flag) – trilokyamohini
• Horses – Shankha, Balahankha, Suwayta, Haridas
• Rope – Shankhachuda Naguni
• Chairing of nine deities – Varah, Gobardhan, Krishna (Gopi Krishna), Nursingha, Ram, Narayana, Thikrikrama, Hanuman, Rudra

2. Talwjaja rath

The name of Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is called Talvwaja, Nangalwaja.

• Total wheel-14
• Clothing colours – red, blue-green cloth
• Rakhwala – Basudev
• Name of Sarathi – Matalee
• Flag (flag) – Avadhani
• Horses – Tribur, Ghorra, Dargasharma, Swarnavan
• Rope – Basuki Naga
• Chairmen of nine deities – Ganesh, Kartikeya, Saramangala, Prahlembari, Hatayudha, Girirajay, Natwar, Mukteshwar, Sheeshdeva

3. Darpadalana rath

Subhadra Devi’s chariot mane is Dharadalna, Devadhan, and Padmavaj. In the chariot, goddess Subhadra gives goodness.

• Total wheel-12
• Clothing colour – red, black
• Rakhawala – Jaidurga
• The name of the surname is Arjun
• Flag (flag) – Nadambika
• Horses – Rocica, Mochica, Won, Aparajita
• Rope – Golden Nuggets Naguni
• Subhadra Devi is Surrounded by nine deities – Chandi, Chamunda, Ugrata, Vanadurga, Shulidurga, Varanhi, Shyamalkali, Mangla, and Vimala.

Duration of Jagannath Rath Yatra ceremony

Rath Yatra is celebrated for seven days in Puri. The ceremony starts at the temple with Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra being installed on the chariot.

It continued until the day of his return, and after one week, the statues were restored and reposed in the temple. Puja Archana and Hari Sankirtan continued during this period. Brahmins and beggars were fed up, and Downers donated clothes and food.

During the Rath Yatra procession, there is an immense crowd on both sides of the road. Everyone wants to see the god’s idol in the chariot and receive blessings. Throughout the entire path, flowers rain on the chariots.

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The end of Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Jagannath temple is a specimen of ancient architecture. Special police arrangements are being made to investigate accidents, and police officers stay on the spot to direct the police activities. It’s a unique sample of ancient architecture. Special arrangements are being made to control heavy crowds in Puri on this occasion.

Interesting Facts about the Puri Rath Yatra Festival

• Rath Yatra is a mythological festival celebrated in India and other countries worldwide. It is especially famous in Dublin, New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles.
• “Poda Peetha” is one of this festival’s main desserts, and it is very famous.
• Three gods, Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, are decorated with 208 kg of gold.
• During British rule, the Jagannath Rath Yatra celebration was called Juggernaut because of its large and weighty chariots.
• Every time the Rath Yatra was celebrated, it constantly rained.
• Jagannath temple is the only temple in the world where the stupa or statue of the god is pulled out of the temple.
• All three chariots are made entirely new every year during this Ratha Yatra.

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2. Baripada Rath Yatra Mayurbhanj

Baripada Rath Yatra, the 2nd most popular after Puri, is Dwitiya Srikshetra. The first Rath Yatra was celebrated at Baripada in AD 1575. This Rath Yatra is famous because only women pulled the chariot of Devi Subhadra, and women first pulled the chariot on the 1st International Women’s Day in 1975.

Baripada has two temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The bigger one arranges three chariots to take the deities to the Gundicha temple. Banthia Jagannath (dwarf god), the smaller temple, organises one chariot to carry the deities. Only children pull the chariot at the Banthia Jagannath Temple.

Thousands gather at Baripada to pull the chariots on Bada-danda (grand road). They decorate the chariots with pure cotton and chandua (a type of fabric).

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3. ISKCON Rath Yatra in Kolkata and West Bengal

Kolkata’s Rath Jatra Festival is the world’s second-largest Rath Yatra festival. About 100 years ago, the most memorable monk from Calcutta, Srila Prabhupada, organised the festival in Kolkata when he was only six.

After 70 years, he again organised this festival in Calcutta in 1972. When the huge chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Baldev, and Subhadra Devi were drawn from the Radha Govinda temple in Kolkata. Beautifully arranged, the huge chariot and Lord Jagannath’s idol were about 30 feet tall and perfectly replicated by Orissa’s Jagannath Puri.

The chariot crosses Camac Street, Park Street, Chaurangi, Chittaranjan Avenue, and Mahatma Gandhi Road. Finally, it arrives at the Radha Govinda Temple at Thakurbari of the Mallik family. People are on the road to catch a glimpse of this glorious event.

At the end of the 5-hour journey, they reached the house at 7 a.m., Mallik’s Thakurbari. The Lord was garlanded, and the women offered fruit and sweets to the Lord on the Silver Plate. Thus, the Rath Yatra festival was celebrated for seven days in Mallik’s Thakurbari.

Kolkata Ratha Yatra Route

After the procession starts from Albert Road, Minto Park – Sarat Bose Road – Hazra – Exide more – and finishes in Brigade Parade Ground. A “Mela” will be held on Brigade Parade Ground for seven days.

The Ultra Rath starts from Brigade Parade ground and covers Esplanade – Lelin Sarani – C.I.T. Road Shakespear Sarani – Hungerford Street – Minto Park. Contact – 03340403300

Note:- In West Bengal and Kolkata, regional fairs are held in every locality during this festival. Some of the most widely known Ratha Yatras in West Bengal are:-

• Iskcon Kolkata Rath Yatra or Rashbehari Ratha Yatra 
• Iskcon Mayapur Rath Yatra
• Mahesh Ratha Yatra in Hooghly District 
• Mahishadal Ratha Yatra in East Midnapore District 
• Guptipara Ratha Yatra
• Rajbalhat Ratha Yatra

Kolkata Ratha Yatra Dates 2024 (Sidha and Ulta Rath)

The “Sidha Rath” procession starts on the 27th of June 2025, and the “Ulta Rath” date is the 5th of July 2025.

4. Ratha yatra in Mayapur Iskcon

Mayapur Iskcon devotees celebrate Jagannath Rath Jatra in Gaura Purnima. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Baldev, and Subhash sit in the three chariots. The chariots take a massive procession from the ISKCON Jagannath Rajapur to the Chandradaya temple at Mayapur.

The most promising feature of the Mayapur Rath Yatra is that equality and integration become symbols because people from different communities participate enthusiastically. It has been a practice for several years in Mayapur; there is no caste, religion, or community segregation, and many people join in this Ratha Yatra.

The preparation and planning of the festival began on the day of the Akshaya Tritiya. Since then, over 100 devotees have spent the night and the day working extremely hard for the Ratha Yatra festival. Therefore, the festival’s inauguration will start in the morning.

The devotees will decorate the chariot with colourful flowers, necklaces, flags, lamps, etc. Then, in the afternoon, the students of the Gurukula chanted the Vedic Mantra. They carried the idol and placed it in their respective cars—Taladwaja of Lord Baladeva, Devadanala of Subhadra Devi, and Nandighosa of Lord Jagannath.

How to reach Mayapur rath yatra

You can reach Mayapur by train from Howrah or Sealdah station to Krishnanagar, and then take a bus or book an auto/toto.

From Howrah railway station

Take Intercity Express, around 3:15 pm from Howrah. It reaches Nabadwip Dham at around 5:15 pm. The second option is to get a local train, Howrah, which passes through Nabadwip Dham. It takes about 3 hours to reach Nabadwip.

From Nabadwip Dham station, take a rickshaw to Mayapur Ghat, cross the Ganga River, and reach Hular Ghat in Mayapur. Take a rickshaw to come to ISKCON’s Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir.

But getting down at Bishnupriya Halt Station, nearer to Mayapur Ghat, is better.

From Sealdah station

Take the Krishnanagar or Katwa local train to the Krishnanagar Jn station. Reaching Krishnanagar by express train takes about two hours; on the local train, it will take two and a half hours.

You can also take the Katwa local to the Nabadwip Dham station. Then, by rickshaw, reach the Mayapur ferry ghat, cross the river, and take another rickshaw to the ISKCON’s Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir.

From Krishnanagar

From Krishnanagar, you can catch a rickshaw to the bus terminal and take a bus to ISKCON Mayapur. Or you can get into an auto to go to Mayapur Ghat in Swarup Ganj or get on a boat to cross over the Jalangi River to reach Hular Ghat in Mayapur. Then, take a rickshaw to come to ISKCON Mayapur.

Reach Mayapur by bus.

The Iskon Kolkata branch provides A.C. and non-AC bus services. It runs thrice weekly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and takes tourists from the Kolkata ISKCON temple to Sri Mayapur.

For more info – 033 64588777, 033 32488041, or +91-3330-289258.

Iskcon Kolkata Centre also provides cars for hire, 033 64588777.

5. Mahesh Ratha Yatra in Hooghly District

Mahesh is today’s main centre of the Jagannath shrine and India’s second oldest, “Rath Jatra,” or the festive home after Puri. It’s the oldest chariot festival in Bengal. Devotes take the chariot to the Lord’s garden house towards the north of Mahesh and return it to its original place after eight days. A huge fair is held on this occasion. Since 1397, the chariot has been constantly renovated every year.

Mahesh’s Rath Jatra is mentioned in Bankim Chandra’s ‘Radharani’ story, and Chaitanyadev himself attended the chariot festival here.

The organisers of Jagannath Mandir organised this event. Four hundred years after the festival began, in 1797, the grandfather of Balram Basu, the famous disciple of Sri Ramkrishna Dev, donated a chariot to the Sri Krishna Naram Basu temple. In 1835, his son Guruparup Basu renewed the chariot, but a fire destroyed it.

Kali Chand Bose created another chariot in 1825, but it was abandoned when someone committed suicide. Bishamma Basu made another chariot in 1857, but it was also burnt.

Dewan Krishna Chandra Bose of Martin Burn Company probably donated the current chariot. It is still alive because it’s made of iron. It is 45 feet long and built in the traditional “non-nominal” style of Bengal. The chariot has ten wheels and nine turrets. A big fair is set up during the festival, which lasts for one month.

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How to reach the Mahesh Ratha Yatra in the Hooghly District

Take a train from Howrah to Sreerampur and take an auto to Mahesh. Then, by car, take the G.T. Road to Mahesh.

Time: Mahesh Rath Yatra starts at about 3 pm.

6. Mahishadal Ratha Yatra in East Midnapore District

Mahishadal in East Midnapore is famous for the chariot festival of West Bengal. The Mahisadal wooden chariot is the world’s highest Rath (chariot), at 75 feet. The Mahisdal Rath Yatra was started by Rani Janaki Devi in 1766. The chariot has changed several times, but its primary structure has remained in the same position for the last 242 years.

The chariot’s walls are brightly painted and decorated with small statues. It has 36 wheels.

Mahishadal Rath Jatra started at around 3 a.m., but it is suitable to reach earlier because the vehicle road is closed for a few hours before. So, arrive as early as possible to get the opportunity to explore the Mahishadal Rath Jatra.

Mahishadal Rath Jatra organised a “Mela” (Fair), where all kinds of accessories were sold. Local King Hariprasad Garg inaugurated Rotha Jatra. The queen (king) came to a palanquin to start the first tug in the chariot. Gunshots marked the opening and continued throughout the whole Ratha yatra.

Ratha is pulled by four thick ropes, one reserved for women. The chariot is pulled through a muddy and slippery land, and we believe it to be a miracle that the incident goes without a stamp. But, of course, the chariot puller has to follow some instructions.

The volunteer who stands high on the chariot with a red and green flag stops them at one point and pushes it, respectively. To celebrate the ceremony, Young people played with mud, threw dirt at each other, and played an active role in the chariot festival. The local volunteer and N.N.C. cadets with the India Rescue Clash monitored the entire program.

How to reach the Mahishadal Ratha Yatra

• By car, Kolkata -> Mecheda -> Nandakumar -> Mahishadal.
• By train Howrah -> Panskura -> Satish Samanta Halt.

Both distances are over 100 km and take around 3 hours.

Ratha Yatra Time

The Ratha Yatra begins at 3 pm.

7. Guptipara Rath Yatra

Hooghly Zilla Guptipara (Prantik Station towards East Bardhaman District) Rath Yatra is one of the ancient rath yatras of West Bengal. Guptipara Rath Yatra is as old and famous as Puri, Mahesh, and Iskon. The first thing about Guptipara is that it has vast and colourful chariots. It is entirely a Vaishnav centre. Rath Jayatra (Rath festival) is the major festival and prime attraction here.

While seeing the Guptipara Rath Yatra, you can visit many ancient terracotta temples.

The famous temples of Guptipara

Brindaban Chandra Math and Mandir campus next to Jagannath Dev’s house.

There are seven temples

1. Brindaban Temple
2. Ram Chandra Mandi
3. Krishna Chandra Mandi
4. Chaityano Dev Temple
5. Desh Kali Bari
6. Banglar Prachinotomo (Oldest) Baroyari: Bindho Basini Jagadhatri Baroyari
7. Jagannath Dev of Masir bari (Auntie house)

(Among them, Brindaban Chandra and Krishna Chandra Mandir are the “Atchala” Temple and Ram Chandra Temple “, Ak Chala”, and those temples are made with terracotta work. Chaitanya Dev Mandir is the oldest ancient temple.)

How to reach Guptipara Rath Yatra

Boarding from Howrah railway station or Bandel railway junction and arriving at Guptipara station, just before the Ambika Kalna railway station.

You can also reach Guptipara from Santipur by crossing the river Ganga in the Nadia district. Feri or launch service is available here.

Santipur is well connected to the Krishna Nagar and Santipur stations. Regular bus service is also available.

You can visit entire places in Guptipara by toto within 3 to 4 hours. Guptipara, Ambika Kalna, and Mayapur are just a little distance away.

8. Rajbalhat Ratha Yatra

Rajbalhat Rath Jatra is famous among other festivals in West Bengal. In Rajbalhat, the Radhakanta temple was built in 1733 at Gtatakpara. Ghatkapara Radhakanta Temple is renowned for the Rath Jatra.

Rajbalhat’s chariot yatra has a unique feature. Here, there are statues of Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra; there are also Radha-Krishna statues.

Now, Rath Jatra organised the Rajbalat School Committee, and a large fair was held on the school grounds. Fairs sell home decor items, and there is a great variety of mouthwatering food.

How to reach Rajbalhat Ratha Yatra

From Howrah railway station, take the Tarakeswar local to Haripal, which will take one hour. After reaching Haripal, you can take a bus or a trekker to Rajbalhat, which is a 30-minute journey.

Another option is to take a bus from Dharmatala Sahid Minar Bus Terminus and reach Rajbalhat directly. It will take around 2 hours.

9. Keonjhar Rath Yatra

According to legend, King Laxminarayan Bhanj saw the location of Sri Baldev Jew’s idol in his dream. He went to the banks of the Baitarani and found it. King Bhanj enshrined the idol on a huge rock in 1961. Years later, Raja Gopal Sandha of Kujang built a temple there. Rath Yatra has been celebrated in the area since then.

Keonjhar Temple is the oldest temple in Odisha. It’s in the Old Town of Keonjhar, and many small temples are inside. The temple is a famous pilgrimage site. The Rath Yatra is popular because of its 72-foot-tall chariot of Lord Jagannath, even taller than that of Jagannath in Puri (45.6 feet).

Earlier, the tribal people conducted Jhinka Bibah (a unique marriage) during Rath Yatra. While dancing, they selected their partner and put vermilion on their foreheads. However, this tradition has become extinct.

10. Rath Yatra (Ahmedabad)

Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad, organises the Rath Yatra every year. The third-largest Yatra is celebrated as Lokotsav (a public festival). According to legend, Lord Jagannath appeared in the dreams of Mahant Narasimha Das Ji. After that, he celebrated the Rath Yatra on every Ashadh-Sud-Bi (the beginning of rainfall). The Khalas caste devotees build chariots from coconut trees.

The “Netrotsav ritual” (rituals of eyes) is performed two days before the Rath Yatra. It’s a belief that the deities overeat “Jamun” (Indian blackberry) and “Baur” (plum). Due to this, they suffer from conjunctivitis. Hence, their eyes are covered with cloth, and “Netrotsav Puja” is performed.

On Rath Yatra, “Mangal Aarti” is performed, and raths are carried out. The Chief Minister of Gujarat conducts the “Vidhi ritual” (cleaning the path for Yatra).

11. Durban, South Africa Rath Yatra

The Hare Krishna Movement started with a Rath Yatra in Durban, South Africa. Sri Sri Radha Radhanath temple conducts this yatra.

The festival introduces Vedic traditions to Western countries. Chariots decked with Hindu gods are hauled into the city. Rath Yatra (chariot festival) symbolises harmony and peace, and devotees believe that pulling the rope of the chariot is honourable. Thousands of people gather and celebrate the Rath Yatra in Durban.

12. Prague, Czech Republic Rath Yatra

The Czech Republic will celebrate this traditional Indian festival on September 5th. The parade departs at noon from Republic Square and goes through the centre of Prague. Organisers try to create a joyful atmosphere for all classes and ages and popularise Indian culture.

After the parade, other cultural events will run on stage from 15:00 to 20:00. Prague organises Vedic exhibitions based on human existence and philosophies.

At the Damodara.CZ and Jamuna.In the CZ e-shop, people can enjoy gluten-free and vegan snacks. They have also arranged a tent serving a vegetarian menu for all visitors for free.

GovindaButik.CZ e-shop offers spices, gifts, clothing, etc., from India. There will also be a corner for children and creative work. The BBT bookstand offers henna painting and talking to the monks.

13. New York Ratha Yatra

Since 1976, Hare Krishna fans have celebrated this annual Jagannath Rath Jatra festival in the heart of New York City.

On July 09 1967, San Francisco started the first “Rath Yatra” outside India. The Rath Yatra was started by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (founder of ISKCON). Today, the Ratha Yatra is celebrated worldwide in London, Paris, New York, Durban, Rome, etc.

The Rath Yatra Festival was held at Washington Square Park. You can enjoy free, delicious vegetarian food from the Hare Krishna devotees. You can also enjoy cultural events like Bharat-Natyam Dance, dramas, Hare Krishna Bhajans-Kirtans, and lots more at the festival.

New York Ratha Yatra Parade and Festival Information

• The Rath Yatra starts approximately. At 11. am.
• The three chariots will move from 45th Street, Fifth Avenue, down (S.E. corner) to Washington Square Park.

14. Ratha Yatra London

Rath Yatra is celebrated all over the world. Pilgrims and devotees organise a massive procession for the Ratha Yatra. They make substantial wooden chariots for the Deities, which are pulled by hand.

After the procession, there will be a beautiful celebration with a feast, singing and chanting, the distribution of books, and more.

Schedule:

The procession begins at South Carriage Drive, at noon from Hyde Park.
The parade ends at 2 pm at Trafalgar Square.
Festive ends: 5 in Trafalgar Square.

Enjoy complimentary water and free vegetarian food when you visit Trafalgar Square.

Rath Yatra History

In the 12th century, King Chodagan Dev built the Jagannath Puri shrine using the Kalinga style of architecture. Rath Yatra is celebrated to honour Queen Gundicha’s devotion. She was the wife of King Indradyumna, who consecrated Lord Jagannath in Puri. Lord Jagannath was pleased and promised to visit her palace (now Gundicha temple) yearly.

The celebration begins on the Dwitiya (second) day of Sukala Pakhya (moon’s waxing cycle) in Ashadh month (Odia calendar’s third month). Shri Jagannath Ji (tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu), along with Balabhadra Ji (his brother) and Subhadra Ji (his sister), ride to their aunt’s home in separate chariots.

Idols of the gods are removed from the main temple of Puri in a ceremonial procession and placed in their colourful chariots, drawn by thousands of devotees.

The chariots leave for Gundicha Temple (three kilometres from Puri). During its journey, the chariot of Lord Jagannath waits near Bhakta Salabega’s (a Muslim devotee) cemetery to pay tribute.

On their way back, the chariots stop at Mausi Maa Temple (their aunt’s home) for a while. There, they are offered Poda Pitha (a type of pancake), Lord Jagannath’s favourite dish. After seven days, the gods travel back and return to their home at the Puri temple.

Rath Yatra significance

Rath Yatra is an important Hindu festival. It’s celebrated by worshipping Lord Jagannath (the world’s ruler), Balabhadra Ji (his brother), and Subhadra Ji (his sister). Three big wooden chariots are made from neem trees for the Yatra. The festival symbolises unity, peace, and brotherhood. Devotees from every part of the country take part in the Yatra. They believe pulling the Lord’s chariot will bring them good fortune, wealth, and pleasure.

The Yatra is important for those who want spiritual merit and liberation. It’s a belief that pulling (or even touching) the rope of the chariot frees a person from several penances.

Rath Yatra rituals

• Chhera Pamhara ritual
• Ritual of pulling the chariots
• Hera Panchami
• Sandhya Darshan
• Bahuda Yatra
• Suna Besha
• Adhara Pana
• Niladri Bije

Chhera Pamhara ritual

Gajapati Maharaj performs the Chhera Pamhara ritual (chopping chariots with a golden broom). After boarding the deities in their chariots, they are decorated with “Malachula” and “Besha.”

Maharaj is brought in a Tamjan (palanquin) from Shreenhara (the king’s palace). He offers camphor in a golden Diya (lamp) to the deities. Gajapati sweeps the chariot’s floor with a golden broom and sprays sandal paste.

The ritual of pulling the chariots

After Chhera Pamhara, the chariots are tied to wooden horse idols. The trumpets are blown, and sevakas beat gongs. Ratha Dahuk (jester) sings songs and motivates people to pull the chariots toward Gundicha Temple. Daitapati (brahmin priest) takes Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra inside the temple. They are placed on their Simhasana (throne). All rituals similar to Srimandir (Jagannath temple, Puri) are performed in Gundicha Temple for seven days.

Hera Panchami

Hera Panchami is celebrated on the 6th day of Asadha Shukla (full moon). It’s also called the “Goddess Lakshmi ritual.” According to legend, Goddess Lakshmi expresses her anger to Lord Jagannath when Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings and Sudarsana (divine weapon), goes on an outing and leaves her behind.

Devi Lakshmi visits the Gundicha temple as Subarna Mahalakshmi and threatens the Lord to return soon. To please her, Lord Jagannath offers “Agyan Mala ‘’ (consent garland). On seeing the goddess angry, the main gates of Gundicha Temple are closed. Mahalakshmi returns to Srimandir through the Nakachana gate. 

In another ritual, goddess Lakshmi hides behind a tamarind tree outside Gundicha. She orders her attendant to damage a part of the Lord’s chariot. After that, Mahalakshmi escapes to the main temple through Hera Gohri Lane (secret path).

At first, this ritual was celebrated by chanting mantras. During his reign, Raja Kapilendra made a golden idol of Goddess Lakshmi to make the ritual more realistic. 

Sandhya Darshan

Sandhya darshan means getting a glimpse of the deities during the evening. This ritual is performed before the Bahuda Yatra (return car festival). Seeing Lord Jagannath and his siblings in the evening gives unlimited bliss to the devotees. 

Bahuda Yatra

Bahuda Yatra is moving the chariot towards the south. On the Dashmi of Ashadh Shukla, “Dakshinabhimukhi Yatra” (journey towards the south) or Bahuda Yatra is celebrated. Rituals like “ Senapatalagi”, “ Mangalarpana”, “Bandapana”, etc, are performed.

The three chariots visit Mausi Maa Mandir (their aunt’s home). There, they are offered Poda Pitha (a type of pancake). After that, the chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra move forward and are stationed at Singhadwara. Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath’s chariot) is stationed at Shreenahara. A palanquin carries Goddess Lakshmi to that place. Then, “Dahapati ‘’ and “Lakshmi Narayan Bheta” rituals are performed there. 

Suna Besha

Suna Besha is the adornment of deities with gold ornaments. It’s the last phase of the Gundicha Yatra. The ritual is performed on Shukla Ekadasi before the Lion’s Gate. 

Adhara Pana

Adhara Pana is a special sweet drink offered to the deities. The drink is prepared by mixing cheese, milk, sugar, and spices. This ritual is performed on the Dwadashi (twelfth lunar day) of Ashadha Shukla. It’s offered after the noon meal and is followed by Sodasha Upachara (16 forms of worship). 

Niladri Bije

Niladri Bije, the last phase of the Sri Gundicha Yatra, falls on the 13th day of Ashadha Shukla. Lord Jagannath returns to the main temple with his siblings in a ceremonial procession. He offers Rasgulla sweets to Goddess Lakshmi for entering the temple. The day marks the end of the Rath Yatra.

Why is Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrated?

They celebrate this festival in memory of Lord Jagannath, one of Vishnu’s ten incarnations. Fifteen days after his annual bath, they bring him out. Lord Jagannath is placed on a Rath or car with his elder brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra.

The holy chariot is ready to go to Jagannath’s “Masir Bari“. Here, Jagannath rests for a week. After that, devotees continue with their offerings to god for a week. After a week after Jagannath’s return from his ‘Masir bari’, Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra will return to their temple.

How is Odisha Ratha Jatra celebrated?

On this occasion, Lord Jagannath’s statue is placed in a gorgeous chariot made of wood with 16 wheels. They have statues of his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The chariot passes through the major markets of Orissa city.

The chariot stands for a week on the banks of the Ganges. In the meantime, the devotees offer their prayers and provide various offerings. After one week, the resumption begins, and in the same way, they reproduce the idols and bring the chariot to the main temple. It’s called ‘ulto rath ‘.