Puri Ratha Jatra: The Festival Where the Gods Come Out to Meet the World

“He who cannot enter the temple, can still pull the Lord’s chariot.”

In the spiritual heartland of Odisha, once a year, the mighty Lord Jagannath steps out of His sanctum, riding a grand chariot through the streets of Puri. This is the Ratha Jatra, the world’s largest chariot procession, where divinity meets devotion, and faith flows like a sea of humanity.

Whether you’re a believer, a traveler, a photographer, or a seeker — Ratha Jatra in Puri is an experience of a lifetime.

The Puri Rath Yatra (ପୁରୀ ରଥଯାତ୍ରା)

Chariots & Deities

Nandighosha (ନନ୍ଦିଘୋଷ) – Lord Jagannath
Taladhwaja (ତାଳଧ୍ୱଜ) – Lord Balabhadra
Darpadalana (ଦର୍ପଦଳନ) – Devi Subhadra

Steps of the Yatra

Step 1: Nabakalebara (happens in 12 years or 19 years)

New Idols are made from neem wood months before the Yatra.
Skilled artisans secretly carve new idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from sacred neem trees known as “Daru.” This occurs when there’s a leap month (Adhika Masa) in the Hindu calendar, typically every 12–19 years.

Step 2: Snana Yatra

Deities are bathed with 108 pitchers of aromatic water.
Held on the full moon day of Jyestha month, this grand bathing ceremony is conducted on a raised platform called “Snana Mandap.” The deities are decorated and sprinkled with herbal water.

Step 3: Anavasara

Deities fall sick due to the bath and retreat to a secret altar for 15 days.
After the Snana Purnima, the deities are believed to fall ill and are kept away from public view in a special chamber called “Anavasara Ghar.” They are given herbal medicine and cared for like humans.

Step 4: Navajouban Darshan

Public appearance of deities after the isolation.
After 15 days, the deities recover and are given a fresh youthful appearance, called “Navajouban.” This is the first public darshan before they embark on the Rath Yatra.

Step 5: Chhera Panhara

The King of Puri ceremonially sweeps the chariot platforms.
The Gajapati Maharaj, considered the chief servitor of the Lord, sweeps the platforms of the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility and service.

Step 6: Gaja Besha

Deities adorn the Ganesha attire to begin the Yatra.
On the Rath Yatra day, the deities are dressed in “Gaja Besha” (elephant attire), symbolizing Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Step 7: Sri Gundicha Yatra

Deities leave for the Gundicha Temple to meet their aunt.
The chariots are pulled through the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to Gundicha Temple, considered the Lord’s maternal home, around 3 km away.

Step 8: Bahuda Yatra

Return of the deities after staying at Gundicha temple for 9 days.
The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, is celebrated with equal grandeur. On the way back, they halt at Mausi Maa Temple, where Lord Jagannath is offered Poda Pitha (a traditional baked sweet).

🛕 History and Origins: Why Ratha Jatra Happens

The roots of Ratha Jatra trace back to ancient scriptures like the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana. It is said that once a year, Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, longs to visit His aunt’s temple — Gundicha Mandir, located 3 km away.

To fulfill this desire:

The three deities ride in individual massive wooden chariots, pulled by lakhs of devotees.
They stay at Gundicha Temple for 7 days, symbolizing rest, celebration, and outreach to all devotees — even those outside caste, creed, or faith.

The tradition dates back over 1,000 years, institutionalized during the reign of King Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

📅 When Is It Held? (2025 Date)

In 2025, Ratha Jatra falls on Friday, June 27, the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month in the Hindu calendar.

Key Ritual Dates (2025):

Debasnana Purnima (Holy Bathing Day)
Anasara Begins – June
Ratha Jatra (Main Procession) – June 27
Hera Panchami (Lakshmi’s symbolic protest) – July
Bahuda Jatra (Return Journey) – July
Suna Besha (Golden Attire Darshan) – July
Niladri Bije (Return to Sanctum) – July

🏰 The Three Chariots

Deity	Chariot Name	Height	Number of Wheels	Color Theme
Lord Jagannath	Nandighosha	44 ft	16	Red & Yellow
Lord Balabhadra	Taladhwaja	43 ft	14	Red & Green
Goddess Subhadra	Darpadalana	42 ft	12	Red & Black

Constructed freshly every year using Neem wood by traditional Maharana and Bhoi servitors.
Chariots begin their journey from Singhadwara (Lion Gate) of the temple.

✨ Ritual Highlights

Pahandi Bije: Grand ceremonial procession bringing deities onto chariots.
Chhera Pahanra: Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariot floor in humility, symbolizing that no one is above service.
Pulling of Chariots: Devotees tug thick ropes to pull the Lord’s chariot — considered a once-in-a-lifetime blessing.

🚆 How to Reach Puri for Ratha Jatra

✈️ By Flight:

Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar (BBI), 60 km from Puri.
Pre-paid taxis and ride apps (Ola, Uber) are available to Puri.

🚆 By Train:

Puri Railway Station connects to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bhubaneswar.
Special trains are introduced during Ratha Jatra — book well in advance.

🚌 By Bus:

Odisha State Road Transport (OSRTC) and private buses from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and nearby districts.
Special government buses operate continuously during the 3–5 key days of the festival.

🛏️ Stay Arrangements During Ratha Jatra

Due to the massive tourist inflow, book your accommodation at least 2–3 months in advance. Choose from:

1. Premium & 5-Star

Mayfair Heritage
Sterling Puri
Toshali Sands
Pramod Convention & Beach Resort

2. Budget & Mid-Range

Hotel Holiday Resort
Hotel Gandhara
NRS Royal Palace

3. Government Accommodation

Panthanivas (OTDC)
Railway Retiring Rooms
Dharma Shalas near Gundicha Temple

✅ Tip: Book through OTDC, IRCTC, or verified travel platforms. Use ExperiencePuri.com’s “Stay” section for curated listings.

🧳 Essential Do’s & Don’ts for Ratha Jatra Visitors

✅ Do’s

Carry water, hat/cap, light snacks
Wear light, modest clothing and comfortable footwear
Reach early morning to secure viewing spots
Follow local police and crowd management guidelines
Keep cash/change handy; UPI may be slow due to network congestion
Book your return tickets and rooms well in advance

❌ Don’ts

Avoid climbing any structures or rooftops to view the yatra — dangerous and illegal
Don’t touch the ropes or chariots forcefully — wait for organized participation
Avoid littering the city; respect the temple customs
Avoid pushing or aggressive photography near the chariots

📍 Where to Stand for the Best View?

Along Grand Road (Bada Danda) between the Jagannath Temple and Gundicha Temple
Municipal viewing platforms (tickets may be needed)
Roof-top access from booked guesthouses (verify in advance)

🍛 Food & Mahaprasada on the Day

Visit Ananda Bazaar inside the temple or local counters for Mahaprasada (dry and wet options)
Local sweets like Khai, Rasabali, and Khaja are available near Grand Road
Avoid heavy meals before entering large crowds

🛣️ Return Journey Tips (Bahuda Jatra)

The return procession (Bahuda) is less crowded than the main yatra
Suna Besha, when the deities appear in golden attire on the chariot, is a rare and dazzling sight
The festival ends with Niladri Bije, the return of the Lord to His temple after reconciling with Maa Lakshmi

📸 Why Ratha Jatra is Unmissable

World’s oldest and grandest procession of gods
One of the few festivals where non-Hindus can have darshan
Blend of spirituality, culture, devotion, and spectacle
Emotional, visual, and spiritual overload — truly “God in motion”

🕉️ At Ratha Jatra, you don’t go to the temple. The temple comes to you.

For verified updates, itinerary plans, travel assistance, hotel booking, and spiritual background, visit ExperiencePuri.com — your one-stop resource for the Divine Circuit of Sankha Kshetra.