The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is set to take place on June 27, 2025, in the sacred city of Puri, Odisha. This grand Hindu festival is a vibrant celebration of devotion, unity, and spiritual equality, drawing millions of devotees and tourists from around the world.

🛕 What is Jagannath Rath Yatra?

The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most important and globally recognized Hindu festivals. Held annually in June or July, it marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, located about 3 km away.

Each deity travels in a massive, beautifully decorated wooden chariot:

• Lord Jagannath’s chariot has 18 wheels
• Lord Balabhadra’s chariot has 16 wheels
• Subhadra’s chariot has 14 wheels

The streets of Puri come alive as millions pull the chariots with ropes, sing devotional songs, and seek blessings from the deities.

🌟 Why is Rath Yatra Celebrated?

The festival commemorates Lord Jagannath’s desire to visit his birthplace, Mathura. Devotees believe that participating in this sacred yatra with full devotion can help free them from the cycle of birth and death (moksha).

Though rooted in Hindu tradition, the Rath Yatra is celebrated by people of many faiths, including Muslim communities, symbolizing harmony and inclusiveness.

📅 Is Rath Yatra a Public Holiday?

Rath Yatra is an optional holiday in India. Employees may choose to take the day off depending on their workplace holiday calendar. While it’s a major festival in Odisha, most businesses and offices across the country remain open.

🧭 Places to Visit in Puri During Rath Yatra

If you’re planning to attend the Rath Yatra, make the most of your visit by exploring these popular places:

• 🛕 Gundicha Temple – The final stop of the Rath Yatra
• 🏖️ Puri Beach – Perfect for sunrise and evening strolls
• 🐬 Chilika Lake – Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon
• 🎨 Raghurajpur Artist Village – Famous for Pattachitra paintings
• 🌅 Konark Sun Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 🏵️ Pipili Village – Known for its appliqué handicrafts
• 🛕 Sakshigopal Temple – A lesser-known but beautiful temple

🚍 How to Reach Puri

By Road:

Puri is well-connected by road with regular bus services from:

• Bhubaneswar and Cuttack (every 10–15 minutes)
• Kolkata and Visakhapatnam (direct buses available)
• Taxis and private cabs are also easy to book

By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (60 km from Puri)
• Connected to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Nagpur, and Visakhapatnam

By Train:

Puri is directly connected to major Indian cities such as:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Ahmedabad
• Okha
• Kolkata

🙏 Final Thoughts

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is not just a religious event—it’s a cultural experience filled with joy, devotion, and spiritual meaning. Whether you’re a pilgrim or a curious traveler, attending this festival in Puri is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re planning to visit, make your arrangements early as accommodations and transport tend to fill up quickly during the festival.