If there is one occasion when the gods come out of their residence to bless their devotees, then it is the Rath Yatra. Puri's world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra draws
millions of devotees who come to seek the Lord's blessings. Believed to be thousands of years old, the Rath Yatra is a spectacular celebration of devotion, tradition and faith. According to Hindu belief, Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, leaves the temple during this period to travel among devotees on magnificent chariots and bless them with his darshan. Read More: The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra and the ISKCON Controversy Explained This year the sacred Jagannath Rath Yatra will begin on 16 July and conclude on 27 July with the Niladri Bije ritual. References to the Puri Rath Yatra can be found in ancient Hindu scriptures. The Utkala Khanda of the Skanda Purana describes the significance of the Gundicha Yatra, the ceremonial mounting of the chariots and the blessings of witnessing the procession. The official website of Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri states, "According to 'Bamadev Samhita' those who can witness the four deities on the Simhasana (the sacred seat) of Gundicha Temple for a week, they along with their ancestors would get a place in the heavenly abode i.e. Baikuntha for all time to come. As per this text those who can hear about this great festival they also get the desired result."
Why is the Rath Yatra held on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is held every year on the Dwitiya (second day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) in the Hindu month of Ashadha. In Hindu astrology and religious tradition, the waxing phase is considered especially auspicious for important occasions. Dwitiya is regarded as a favourable day for journeys, religious ceremonies and new beginnings, making it the chosen date for the Rath Yatra.How is the Rath Yatra schedule decided?
The complete programme for the Jagannath Rath Yatra is determined according to the Vedic calendar, the traditional Odia almanac (Panji), the ancient rituals of the Shree Jagannath Temple and long-established religious customs. Every ritual associated with the festival has its own significance and is performed at a fixed date and time.Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 Schedule
15 July 2026 (Wednesday) – Nabajaubana Darshan
Following Snana Purnima, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra remain in seclusion for a period of rest. Afterwards, devotees are granted the first glimpse of the deities in their youthful form, known as Nabajaubana Darshan.16 July 2026 (Thursday) – Rath Yatra
On Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra set out from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple on their raths or chariots. With this the famous Rath Yatra begins.20 July 2026 (Monday) – Hera Panchami
During the deities' stay at the Gundicha Temple, the ritual of Hera Panchami is observed. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple to meet Lord Jagannath, symbolising their divine relationship.23 July 2026 (Thursday) – Sandhya Darshan
Devotees gather in large numbers at the Gundicha Temple for the special Sandhya Darshan of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. "As described in the puranas getting a glimpse of the four deities on the Adapa Mandap during the evening (Sandhya Darshana) brings incessant bliss to a devotee. As described in 'Niladri Mahaodaya' seeing the deities continuously for 10 years in Nilachala (Shreemandira) is equivalent to witness the deities for one day only at Adapa Mandapa at Gundicha temple," states the website of Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.24 July 2026 (Friday) – Bahuda Yatra
After completing their stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities begin their return journey to the Shree Jagannath Temple on their chariots. This homeward procession is known as the **Bahuda Yatra**.25 July 2026 (Saturday) – Suna Besha
Following the Bahuda Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are adorned with exquisite gold ornaments. This magnificent appearance is known as Suna Besha.26 July 2026 (Sunday) – Adhara Pana
A special sweet drink called Adhara Pana is offered to the deities on this day. The drink is offered in large earthen pitchers. The ritual is one of the most important traditions associated with the Rath Yatra.27 July 2026 (Monday) – Niladri Bije
The festival concludes with Niladri Bije, when Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra ceremonially return to the Ratna Simhasana inside the Shree Jagannath Temple. With this ritual, the nine-day Jagannath Rath Yatra comes to an end.Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
