RATH YATRA 2025  BEGINS in ODISHAs’ PURI

Bureau,Odishabarta

Odisha’s Rath Yatra holds profound significance for devotees from all over the country, drawing people from diverse backgrounds. Many believe that participating in the pulling of the colossal chariots is a spiritually cleansing act, symbolising deep devotion to Lord Jagannath. Puri’s Rath Yatra embodies a multitude of meanings, from the King of Puri’s humility as he sweeps the chariot before the procession, to the cyclical nature of life itself.

According to legend, Queen Gundicha, who was deeply devoted to Lord Jagannath, prayed for a divine visit not only for herself but also for those who were unable to enter the temple to see the deities and attain salvation. Lord Jagannath agreed to her request, marking the beginning of the annual Rath Yatra. Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay during the Rath Yatra, was built by her husband, King Indradyumna.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 will begin its annual journey from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple on June 27. This grand procession will feature three massive wooden chariots, which thousands of devotees will pull through the city streets to reach the Gundicha Temple, located approximately 3 kilometres away.

Each year, skilled artisans craft three chariots one for each deity  using fresh wood. During the Pahandi procession, the deities are ceremoniously carried from the temple and placed in their respective chariots, where they await transport to their temporary home. Each chariot has a unique identity, characterised by distinct names, decorations, and features.

June 26: Gundicha Marjana (cleansing of Gundicha temple)
June 27: Commencement of Rath Yatra
July 1: Hera Panchami (legend tells that Goddess Laxmi comes to Gundicha Temple looking for her husband, Lord Jagannath)
July 4: Bahuda Yatra (return journey home)
July 5: Suna Besha (deities are dressed in gold jewellery and other fineries) and Niladri Bijay (when idols are returned to the main temple)

Courtesy;Google