World-Famous Jagannath Rath Yatra to Begin from June 27: The Grand Festival Will Last 9 Days!

Puri (Odisha) – The world-renowned Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is set to commence on June 27. The grand spiritual celebration will last 9 days, concluding on July 5. The Rath Yatra of Shri Jagannath is one of India’s most magnificent and spiritually significant festivals. Every year, the city of Jagannath Puri in Odisha celebrates this event with immense devotion and grandeur.

During the festival, Shri Jagannath, his elder brother Balram, and sister Subhadra are worshipped and taken out in a grand procession on chariots. The Rath Yatra begins from the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month.

Key Highlights:

Three chariots are used in the entire Rath Yatra.

• Shri Jagannath’s chariot is called Nandighosh
• Balram’s chariot is called Taladhwaj
• Subhadra’s chariot is called Darpadalana

These chariots are made of neem wood (kadamba wood), and notably, no nails, screws, or metal parts are used in their construction. The building of the chariots begins every year on Akshaya Tritiya. In the procession, Balram’s chariot leads, followed by Subhadra’s, and then Shri Jagannath’s chariot comes at the end.

According to Hindu belief, participating in the Rath Yatra grants the merit of performing a thousand yajnas (sacrificial rituals). It is believed that sins are washed away and devotees receive the blessings of Shri Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The Jagannath Temple in Puri is considered one of the Char Dhams (four sacred pilgrimage sites), and this yatra is believed to lead devotees to salvation (moksha).