Bahuda Yatra 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals & Celebrations of Lord Jagannath’s Return to Puri
Bahuda Yatra 2025 marks the return of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra to Puri temple on July 5, celebrated with grand rituals and chariot processions.
image for illustrative purpose
The sacred Bahuda Yatra, part of the grand Jagannath Ratha Yatra festival, marks the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to their abode at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. In 2025, this spiritual homecoming takes place on Saturday, July 5.
After a week-long stay at the Gundicha Temple—believed to be the birthplace of Lord Jagannath’s aunt—the deities return in a vibrant and emotional procession, riding their iconic, elaborately decorated wooden chariots: Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (Goddess Subhadra).
Key Rituals Leading Up to Bahuda Yatra
- Hera Panchami (July 1, 2025): A symbolic ritual highlighting Goddess Lakshmi’s displeasure at Lord Jagannath’s temporary absence from the main temple.
- Dakshina Moda (July 2–3, 2025): The chariots are turned southward, facing the main temple, signifying readiness for the return.
- Sandhya Darshan (July 4, 2025): A special evening darshan of the deities before they depart Gundicha Temple.
- Bahuda Yatra (July 5, 2025): The grand return procession, with thousands of devotees pulling the chariots, singing bhajans, and celebrating in unison.
Spiritual Significance
Bahuda Yatra is more than a ceremonial procession—it’s a deeply symbolic event representing divine reunion, cosmic balance, and the resumption of dharma. The return of the deities to their sanctum is viewed as a moment of cosmic restoration, where they resume their divine roles alongside Goddess Lakshmi.
Pulling the chariots is believed to bestow spiritual merit, wash away sins, and bring good fortune. For devotees, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with the divine through physical devotion.
A Celebration of Culture and Devotion
The return procession turns Puri into a sea of faith, filled with the sounds of traditional Odia music, martial arts displays, religious chants, and an overwhelming sense of community and devotion. The Bahuda Yatra serves as a powerful reminder of India’s spiritual and cultural richness.
Bahuda Yatra 2025 Event Summary
Ritual/Event Date
Hera Panchami July 1, 2025
Dakshina Moda July 2–3, 2025
Sandhya Darshan July 4, 2025
Bahuda Yatra July 5, 2025
As the grand chariots roll back to the Shree Jagannath Temple, the spiritual journey of Bahuda Yatra fills hearts with devotion and joy—bringing the faithful full circle in their annual pilgrimage.
