Rath Yatra, commonly referred to as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most prominent and ancient Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated with grandeur in the city of Puri, Odisha, and involves the procession of huge, elaborately decorated chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra.
The chariots are pulled by devotees through the streets in a spectacular event that attracts millions of people from across India and around the world. Rath Yatra represents the journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings from their main temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days before returning.
Table of Contents
Rath Yatra Dates in India for 2024, 2025, and 2026
Here are the dates for Rath Yatra in India for the upcoming years:
The Significance of Rath Yatra in India
Rath Yatra holds great religious significance for devotees of Lord Jagannath, particularly in the state of Odisha. The festival symbolises the journey of the deities from their temple to their aunt’s home at the Gundicha Temple. It is believed that those who participate in the procession or even witness it receive divine blessings and spiritual merit.
The festival also holds a deeper spiritual meaning, symbolising the journey of the soul towards liberation. The sight of Lord Jagannath, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna, on the chariot is believed to cleanse the mind of worldly attachments and help devotees progress on their spiritual path.
How Rath Yatra is Celebrated in India
Rath Yatra is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm, especially in the city of Puri, Odisha. The festival is marked by the construction of three massive chariots, each dedicated to one of the deities, and a grand procession that draws millions of pilgrims and tourists.
- The Construction of the Chariots: The most significant aspect of Rath Yatra is the construction of the three chariots, which are made anew each year. The chariots are built from wood and decorated with colourful fabrics, carvings, and symbols. Lord Jagannath’s chariot, known as Nandighosa, is the largest, followed by Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhwaja, and Subhadra’s chariot, Darpadalana.
- The Procession: On the day of Rath Yatra, the deities are brought out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on their respective chariots. Devotees then pull the chariots through the streets, taking the deities from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is about 3 kilometres away. The streets are filled with the sound of devotional music, chanting, and the beating of drums, as thousands of devotees gather to pull the ropes attached to the chariots.
- Participation of Devotees: One of the unique features of Rath Yatra is that everyone, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, can participate in pulling the chariots. It is believed that pulling the chariot ropes brings divine blessings and helps in the removal of sins. The inclusive nature of the festival attracts people from all walks of life.
- Return Journey (Bahuda Yatra): After staying at the Gundicha Temple for nine days, the deities embark on their return journey to the Jagannath Temple. This return journey is known as Bahuda Yatra and is also celebrated with the same level of devotion and grandeur. The deities make a stop at the Mausi Maa Temple (Aunt’s Temple) before returning to the Jagannath Temple.
Rath Yatra in Different Parts of India
While Puri in Odisha is the epicentre of Rath Yatra celebrations, the festival is also celebrated with devotion in other parts of India and among Hindu communities worldwide.
- Odisha (Puri): The Rath Yatra in Puri is the most famous and grandest celebration of the festival. The Jagannath Temple in Puri is considered one of the Char Dhams (four most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites), and the annual Rath Yatra attracts millions of devotees from across the globe. The entire city comes alive with religious fervour during the festival.
- Gujarat (Ahmedabad): Rath Yatra is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Rath Yatra procession here is led by the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple in the city, accompanied by devotees, elephants, and musicians.
- West Bengal (Kolkata): In Kolkata, Rath Yatra is celebrated by the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) community with a large procession that attracts thousands of devotees. The festival features a grand chariot procession through the streets, with people chanting the names of Lord Krishna.
- Delhi: The Rath Yatra in Delhi is celebrated with a grand procession organised by ISKCON, where thousands of devotees participate in pulling the chariots and singing devotional songs. The event reflects the cultural and religious diversity of the capital city.
Rath Yatra – A Festival of Devotion, Unity, and Spiritual Awakening
Rath Yatra is not just a festival; it is a spiritual journey that symbolises the connection between the divine and humanity. The sight of the deities on their grand chariots, being pulled by thousands of devotees, represents the unity and devotion of the people. The festival fosters a sense of spiritual awakening, as devotees seek blessings and reflect on the deeper meanings of life and faith.
Rath Yatra also serves as a reminder of the inclusive nature of Hinduism, as people from all walks of life come together to participate in this sacred event. The pulling of the chariots is seen as an act of devotion, humility, and service, making Rath Yatra a festival that transcends boundaries and unites people in their shared love for the divine.
More Information about Rath Yatra in India
Is Rath Yatra a public holiday in India?
Rath Yatra is observed as a restricted public holiday in Odisha and some other states of India, particularly where there are significant Hindu populations. The festival is celebrated with religious processions and cultural events.
How is Rath Yatra celebrated in India?
Rath Yatra is celebrated with the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra on massive chariots. The deities are taken from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, and the event is marked by music, prayers, and devotion.
What is the significance of pulling the chariots during Rath Yatra in India?
Pulling the chariots during Rath Yatra is considered a highly auspicious act that brings divine blessings. Devotees believe that by participating in this act, they are helping the deities on their journey and purifying their own souls in the process.
Where are the major Rath Yatra celebrations held in India?
The most famous Rath Yatra celebration takes place in Puri, Odisha. However, major celebrations are also held in cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Delhi, where large processions and cultural events are organised.