Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Rituals, Timings, Wishes, and Sacred Places to Visit in Puri

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, one of India’s most revered spiritual festivals, will take place on June 27, marking the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, on ornately decorated chariots through the streets of Puri, Odisha.

Known as the Festival of Chariots, this ancient tradition celebrates Lord Jagannath’s symbolic journey from his temple to his aunt's abode—the Gundicha Temple—a ritual that draws millions of devotees from across the globe.

Key Dates and Timings

This year’s celebrations began on June 12 with Snana Purnima, a ceremonial bathing of the deities. The idols then entered a sacred rest phase called Anavasara, which lasts until June 26.

According to Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi begins at 1:24 PM on June 26 and ends at 11:19 AM on June 27, confirming the main Rath Yatra will be held on June 27, 2025.

Significance of Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra is steeped in centuries-old tradition and is believed to have been initiated between the 12th and 16th centuries, possibly by King Indradyumna or during the reign of the Gajapati kings. Spiritually, the event symbolizes Lord Jagannath's annual visit to his birthplace or his aunt’s home, offering blessings to devotees along the way.

Major Rituals of Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025

• Snana Yatra: The deities are bathed with 108 pots of sacred water in a grand purification ritual.
• Rath Pratistha: Chariots are consecrated by priests using Vedic chants and rituals.
• Rath Yatra: The main procession where massive chariots are pulled by devotees to the Gundicha Temple.
• Bahuda Yatra: The return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Temple after a nine-day stay.
• Niladri Vijaya: Marks the end of the Yatra as the deities re-enter their temple and the chariots are dismantled.

Top 5 Sacred Places to Visit in Puri During Rath Yatra

1. Jagannath Temple: The 12th-century spiritual heart of Puri, known for its architectural grandeur and rituals.
2. Gundicha Temple: The final destination of the Rath Yatra procession and Lord Jagannath’s temporary home.
3. Markandeshwar Temple: A serene Shiva temple associated with sage Markandeya and a nearby holy tank.
4. Loknath Temple: A Shiva temple famous for its submerged lingam and secret visit by Lord Jagannath before the Yatra.
5. Alarnath Temple: A key pilgrimage site during Anavasara, located in Brahmagiri, 25 km from Puri.

Rath Yatra 2025 Wishes to Share

• "May Lord Jagannath bless you with peace, prosperity, and joy this Rath Yatra. Jai Jagannath!"
• "Wishing you and your loved ones divine blessings on this holy journey of faith and devotion."
• "May the chariots of Lord Jagannath remove all obstacles and guide you to a path of grace and wisdom."
• "Celebrate Rath Yatra with devotion in your heart and the divine in your soul. Happy Jagannath Yatra 2025!"

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is not just a festival—it is a spiritual experience steeped in faith, tradition, and divine energy. Whether you're in Puri or following from afar, the celebrations offer a moment to reconnect with ancient heritage and seek divine blessings.