Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Rath Yatra , also known as the Ratha Jatra is one of the oldest and biggest Hindu chariot festivals celebrated every year in the city of Puri, in Odisha on the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadh. This festival is associated with the deity Jagannath which is a form of Vishnu or Krishna. Ratha Yatra is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in Odisha.

Puri’s Ratha Yatra is the oldest Ratha Yatra in India and in the whole world that takes place Every year in June or July, and this festival is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha, as per the traditional Oriya calendar.

The festival in Odisha is celebrated for nine days, celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in the whole of Odisha. During this festival Lord Jagannath, along with two other deities, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra visit Gundicha Temple and his Mausi Maa (Aunt’s) temple. Jagannath Rath Yatra takes one day to reach Gundicha Temple, remain there for seven days, and return to Puri Jagannath Temple on the Ninth day.

History of Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is the oldest and most popular festival of Odisha celebrated every year with great joy in the city of Puri, Odisha. This festival has a great history behind the celebration. This festival is believed to have started when the sister of God Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, expressed her desire to visit Puri. To fulfill their sister’s wish, God Jagannath and his brother God Balabhadra started their journey on a chariot to Puri. Since then, the festival has been celebrated every year as per the Hindu calendar.

Why Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated

The Jagannath Rath Yatra takes place on the second day of the Odia month of Ashadha Shukla Tithi (bright fortnight) every year to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath along with his two siblings Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra from their 12th century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple that is believed to be their aunt’s home. Goddess Ardhasini, also known as Mausi maa, is believed to be Lord Jagannath’s aunt.

How is the Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrated?

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, a notorious Hindu festival celebrated during the Asadha month, is the most popular festival among the Hindus. This festival attracts millions of devotees. This famous festival is considered a special occasion for nine days for all Hindu devotees as the Gods themselves come out of their temple to give darshan and blessings to their devotees. 

During this famous festival, Three new Raths are built every year before the festival begins and are celebrated in an extraordinary way in the whole of Odisha. The main deity of Jagannath Temple, Lord Jagannath’s rath or the chariot is known as Nandighosa. This rath contains 16 wheels and is fully covered in red and yellow clothing. The charioteer of this Rath is Daruka, and the rope that pulls this rath is called Sankhachuda. 

Lord Balabhadra who is known as the brother of Lord Jagannath’s rath is known as Taladhwaja. This Rath contains 14 wheels and is completely covered with red and green clothes. The charioteer’s (Ratha Sarthi) name is Matali, and the rope pulling the rath is Vasuli. 

Goddess Subhadra who is known as the sister of Lord Jagannath’s rath is named Deviratha or Darpadalana and this rath contains 12 wheels and is completely covered with red and black clothes. The charioteer’s name is Arjun, and the rope is called Swarnachuda.

All three gods are taken to Goddess Gundicha Temple who is the aunt of Lord Jagannath and the deities remain there for seven days and then brought back to the Jagannath Temple of Puri.

Who started Jagannath Rath Yatra?

In Odisha, the Kings of Mayurbhanj and Parlakhemundi started the Jagannath Rath Yatra, as one of the most grand festivals celebrated every year in terms of scale and popularity at Puri.

Highlights of the Festival

• This festival is celebrated for about Nine days, during which the Lord Shree Jagannath, along with other two deities, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra visit Gundicha Temple.
• The festival begins at Lord Shree Jagannath temple, visits the Gundicha temple, and returns to the Puri Jagannath temple on the Ninth day.
• Large chariots of about 45 feet are created by the traditional carpenters for the Yatra
• Kings of Mayurbhanj and Parlakhemundi started the Ratha Yatra in the city of Puri.
• Jagannath Ratha Yatra is celebrated every year in the month of June or July.
• Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most famous and popular festivals celebrated every year for nine days.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023

• In 2023, Ratha Yatra, the most famous festival of Puri, was celebrated on 20 June 2023.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2022

• In 2022, Ratha Yatra, the most famous festival of Puri, Odisha was celebrated on 1 July 2022

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024

In 2024, Ratha Yatra will be celebrated on 7 July 2024

How to Reach Puri

Puri is located very close and nearby to Bhubaneswar which has good air, road, and rail connectivity. The place itself is approachable by roadways and railways from most major parts of India.

How to reach Puri by Air

Puri doesn’t have an airport, the nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, which is approximately 53 km away from Puri helps in connecting the city to other major cities of the region and country. Flights to all major destinations are available to and from the airport and a cab or local bus can be used for visiting Puri from the airport.

How to Reach Puri by Train

Puri is a major railway junction. Direct train services are available from many cities in India, including Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata regularly.

How to reach Puri by Bus

Puri is connected with the neighboring cities through well-constructed roads.

Frequently Asked Questions