Rath Yatra

Odia

Also known as: Jagannath Rath Yatra, Car Festival, Ratha Jatra

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2026 Odia Date

Rath Yatra

About Rath Yatra

Ratha Yatra, the grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, is the most spectacular festival in Odisha, celebrated in Puri during the month of Ashadha (June-July). It is one of the oldest and largest chariot festivals in the world.

Massive wooden chariots carrying the deities of Jagannath (Nandighosh - 16 wheels), Balabhadra (Taladhwaja - 14 wheels), and Subhadra (Darpadalana - 12 wheels) are pulled through Bada Danda by thousands of chanting devotees.

The festival commemorates Lord Krishna's journey to Kurukshetra and symbolises the divine lord's visit to his devotees. The deities are brought from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple for seven days before returning.

Ratha Yatra in Puri is celebrated with unparalleled grandeur. The pulling of the chariots is considered an act of supreme devotion. The return journey (Bahuda Yatra) and the episode of Mausima add to the festival's rich narrative tradition.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees observe fasting on the day of Rath Yatra, breaking it after the deities reach the Gundicha Temple.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Observe a fast until the chariots reach the destination.
Participate in pulling the chariot as an act of devotion.
Chant Jai Jagannath throughout the day.
Receive mahaprasad at the Gundicha Temple.

Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken with mahaprasad after the deities are settled at the Gundicha Temple.

Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps

Essential Puja Samagri:

Flowers and garlandsIncense sticks and earthen lampsPrasad offerings (khichuri, vegetables)Conch shell and bellSweets and fruits

Puja Procedure:

Visit the Jagannath Temple early in the morning.
Witness the ceremonial bathing and dressing of the deities.
Participate in pulling the chariot through Bada Danda.
Offer prayers at the Gundicha Temple.
Receive mahaprasad and return home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How big are the chariots in Rath Yatra?

Jagannath's chariot (Nandighosh) is about 45 feet tall with 16 wheels, Balabhadra's (Taladhwaja) has 14 wheels, and Subhadra's (Darpadalana) has 12 wheels.

Q: What is the significance of pulling the chariot?

Pulling the chariot is considered an act of devotion and surrender, symbolising the devotee's desire to bring the Lord into their heart and home.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.