Celebrate the divine Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 as lakhs of devotees gather in Puri, Nashik, Manipur, Gujarat, and Bengal to pull the grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Discover the rituals, significance, and vibrant festivities of this iconic Hindu festival.
The sacred city of Puri, Odisha, along with vibrant celebrations in Nashik, Manipur, Gujarat, and Bengal, came alive on June 27, 2025, as the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 commenced with unparalleled devotion and fervor. Lakhs of devotees from across India and beyond gathered to participate in this grand chariot festival, pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra through the streets, chanting “Jai Jagannath” in a sea of spiritual ecstasy.
भगवान जगन्नाथ, बलभद्र और सुभद्रा आज अपने विशाल रथों पर भव्य रूप से विराजमान हैं।
— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) June 27, 2025
✨ उनका अद्भुत श्रृंगार, आस्था का समुद्र और भक्ति की उमंग – सब कुछ मिलकर बना रहा है एक अद्वितीय आध्यात्मिक वातावरण।#JagannathRathYatra #JagannathRathYatra2025 #RathYatra #जयजगन्नाथपूरी pic.twitter.com/qZ9BfBoe9n
Puri: The Heart of Jagannath Rath Yatra
In Puri, the annual chariot festival kicked off at 4:00 PM IST, with the procession starting from the iconic Shri Jagannath Temple. The chariots, named Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (Goddess Subhadra), were pulled towards the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will reside for a week. The ritual of Chhera Pahanra, where the King of Puri sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, symbolizing humility and equality, was a highlight of the day. Enhanced security measures, including 10,000 personnel and AI cameras, ensured a safe and orderly procession despite recent terror alerts.
The Odisha government, along with organizations like Reliance Foundation and Adani Group, made elaborate arrangements to enhance the devotee experience. Reliance provided hot meals at six key locations along the route, while Adani distributed nearly 4 million free meals and drinks, ensuring no devotee went hungry. Volunteers also conducted beach clean-ups, focusing on removing plastic waste, adding a touch of environmental consciousness to the spiritual event.
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Nashik: A Vibrant Celebration
In Nashik, Maharashtra, the Jagannath Rath Yatra saw thousands of devotees participating in the procession. The local Shri Jagannath Mandir organized a grand event, with devotees pulling beautifully crafted wooden chariots through the city’s streets. The festival was marked by devotional songs, cultural performances, and the distribution of mahaprasad, fostering a sense of community and devotion. The Odia Samaj in Nashik ensured the event reflected the grandeur of Puri’s traditions, making it a memorable experience for all.
Manipur: A Spiritual Sojourn
Manipur joined the nationwide celebrations with its own Jagannath Rath Yatra, drawing significant crowds. The state declared a bank holiday on June 27, allowing devotees to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. The procession, modeled after Puri’s, featured the three deities being carried to a designated temple, accompanied by Harinam Sankirtan and cultural programs. The vibrant participation highlighted the festival’s universal appeal across India’s diverse regions.
Gujarat: A Grand Affair in Ahmedabad
In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra was a spectacle of devotion, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel actively participating. Shah offered morning prayers at the Jagannath temple, while Patel performed the Pahind Vidhi, a ceremonial sweeping of the roads with a golden broom. The procession, monitored in real-time by the Chief Minister, saw thousands of devotees pulling the chariots through the city, creating a festive atmosphere filled with chants and prayers.
Bengal: Digha’s First-Ever Rath Yatra
West Bengal’s coastal town of Digha marked a historic moment with its first-ever Jagannath Rath Yatra from the newly constructed Jagannath Dham temple. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with her cabinet colleagues, pulled the chariot ropes, leading a 750-meter procession to the deities’ aunt’s temple. The event, accompanied by chants of “Joy Jagannath,” drew thousands, including international devotees, showcasing Bengal’s deep connection to Lord Jagannath’s legacy.
Significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashadha, is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Lord Jagannath. According to scriptures like the Skanda Purana, the festival fulfills Lord Jagannath’s divine promise to visit his devotees. The act of pulling the chariots is believed to cleanse sins and bring devotees closer to moksha (liberation). The Chhera Pahanra ritual, where the chariots are swept with a golden broom, underscores the value of humility, as even royalty serves the divine.
The chariots themselves, crafted from the wood of the sacred Daruk tree, are dismantled and auctioned after the festival, with devotees eagerly purchasing parts as sacred keepsakes. The Jagannath Temple in Puri, known for its massive kitchen preparing mahaprasad for lakhs daily, adds to the festival’s spiritual allure.
A Festival of Unity and Devotion
The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 transcended geographical boundaries, uniting devotees in Puri, Nashik, Manipur, Gujarat, and Bengal in a shared expression of faith. From the sacred rituals in Puri to the vibrant processions in Ahmedabad and Digha, the festival highlighted India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. With enhanced security, community-driven efforts, and technological innovations like hydraulic chariots in Dhanbad, the Rath Yatra continues to evolve while preserving its timeless traditions.
As the chariots rolled through the streets, the air resonated with devotion, proving once again that the Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a festival but a profound spiritual journey that touches the hearts of millions.