Jagannath Rath Yatra to Begin June 27

Puri: The holy town of Puri in Odisha is set to witness one of the grandest religious events in the world — the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra — on *June 27, 2025*. Devotees from across the country and abroad are expected to gather in large numbers to participate in the centuries-old tradition that symbolizes devotion, equality, and divine grace.

The Rath Yatra begins from the *Jagannath Temple, where Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, is placed in elaborately decorated wooden chariots. These majestic chariots are then pulled through the streets of Puri by thousands of devotees, chanting bhajans and singing traditional hymns. The procession travels through the **Bada Danda* (Grand Road) to reach the *Gundicha Temple*, also known as the Lord’s maternal aunt’s home.

According to tradition, the deities stay at Gundicha Temple for *seven days, during which various rituals and festivities take place. The return journey, known as **Bahuda Yatra*, happens on the ninth day, marking the end of the annual festival.

Every year, new chariots are constructed using specific types of sacred wood and following strict rituals. The chariot of Lord Jagannath is known as *Nandighosha, Balabhadra’s is **Taladhwaja, and Subhadra’s is **Darpadalana*. The construction of these chariots began months ago and has now been completed under the supervision of skilled artisans and temple priests.

The Rath Yatra is not only a spiritual celebration but also a symbol of unity, as people from all walks of life join hands to pull the ropes of the divine chariots. It is believed that even touching the chariot or participating in the procession brings blessings and washes away sins.

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place this year to ensure the safety of lakhs of devotees. The Odisha government has also made extensive preparations for water, sanitation, and crowd management, with medical facilities and emergency services on high alert.

The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath holds profound spiritual significance and continues to be a timeless tradition that fills the streets of Puri with devotion, joy, and an overwhelming sense of unity.