रथ यात्रा
Rath Yatra
Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra ride giant chariots through Puri, pulled by lakhs of devotees.
About Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra falls on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. In Puri, Odisha, the three deities leave the Jagannath temple on huge wooden chariots for the Gundicha temple, about 3 km away.
Pulling the ropes of the chariots is considered a great blessing open to everyone. The deities return after nine days in the Bahuda Yatra. Rath Yatras are now held in cities around the world.
How to celebrate
Watch or join the Rath Yatra procession and help pull the chariot ropes.
Offer prayers to Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
Share mahaprasad from the temple kitchen.
Questions
When is Rath Yatra in 2026?
Rath Yatra 2026 is on Thursday, 16 July 2026. Shukla Dwitiya tithi begins at 11:51 AM on Wednesday 15 July and ends at 8:53 AM on Thursday 16 July IST.
How are the chariots made?
New chariots are built every year from neem and other wood by hereditary carpenters, without nails or metal.
What is Chhera Pahara?
The King of Puri sweeps the chariot floors with a golden broom, a sign that all are equal before the Lord.
Around Rath Yatra
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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