Rath Yatra 2025: Devotees Flock to Puri for Grand Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath
Puri, Odisha | June 26, 2025 — The sacred coastal city of Puri in Odisha came alive with chants of “Jai Jagannath” as Rath Yatra 2025, one of the world’s most iconic and spiritually significant Hindu festivals, began with grandeur and deep devotion. The air vibrated with the sound of conches, drums, and devotional hymns as millions of devotees gathered to witness the majestic chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
This year’s Rath Yatra holds special significance, not only due to the massive turnout of pilgrims from across India and abroad, but also because it marks the return of the full-scale, post-pandemic version of the celebration, replete with traditional customs, public participation, and religious fervour.
Origins and Significance of Rath Yatra 2025
Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is an age-old tradition in Hinduism that celebrates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), his elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, located nearly 3 kilometres away. The deities are transported in three massive, ornately decorated wooden chariots, each uniquely built and pulled by ropes by thousands of devotees.
The journey symbolises the divine siblings’ visit to their maternal aunt’s home, a practice deeply rooted in Odia tradition. The nine-day festival is an expression of divine love, accessibility of God to all (irrespective of caste, creed, or gender), and the spiritual renewal of devotees.
A Grand Start to the Festival Rath Yatra 2025
The day began at dawn with the performance of Rath Pratistha (the ritual preparation of the chariots), followed by Chhera Pahanra, a centuries-old tradition where the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri (the ceremonial king) sweeps the chariots with a golden broom—signifying humility before the divine. This act reminds everyone that no one is above God—not even a king.
Soon after, amidst spirited chanting and cries of “Haribol” and “Jai Jagannath,” devotees began pulling the ropes of the three chariots:
Nandighosa, the chariot of Lord Jagannath (16 wheels),
Taladhwaja, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot (14 wheels), and
Darpadalana, the chariot of Devi Subhadra (12 wheels).
The massive wooden structures, built anew each year, began their slow, divine journey through the Grand Road (Bada Danda) as a sea of humanity bowed in reverence.
Devotee Turnout and Safety Measures
This year’s Rath Yatra saw an estimated 1.5 million pilgrims throng the holy city, with trains, buses, and special chartered flights arriving from across the country. The Odisha state government, in coordination with the district administration, deployed over 12,000 police personnel, installed CCTV surveillance, and organized medical camps, water stations, and emergency response units to ensure the safety and comfort of the attendees.
The administration also implemented a plastic-free zone around the temple precincts, in line with environmental awareness and sustainability goals. Volunteers and local NGOs provided free meals (Mahaprasad), medical aid, and assistance to the elderly and differently-abled devotees.
Spiritual and Cultural Highlights
In addition to the chariot procession, the Rath Yatra is marked by kirtans, bhajans, and performances by folk dancers and traditional musicians. Devotees walked barefoot alongside the chariots, some carrying flags, others dancing in joy, their faces lit with devotion.
Many pilgrims observed fasts and participated in “Pahandi”—the ceremonial procession in which the deities are carried out of the sanctum sanctorum and placed onto their respective chariots.
The entire Grand Road transformed into a spiritual carnival, with devotees singing and swaying, united in their faith and shared belief in Lord Jagannath’s blessings.
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Global Participation
The spiritual aura of Rath Yatra 2025 transcends borders. Similar chariot festivals inspired by Puri’s Rath Yatra were held in cities like London, New York, Melbourne, and Durban, led by the ISKCON movement. These celebrations, while smaller in scale, mirrored the same devotion and helped spread the cultural essence of the festival globally.
Thousands of foreign tourists also visited Puri this year, many experiencing the festival for the first time. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” said John Myers, a visitor from Canada. “The energy, the faith, the colors—it’s overwhelmingly beautiful.”
Rath Yatra in the Digital Age
For those unable to attend in person, live streams on YouTube and government portals ensured that millions could witness the festivities from home. Social media platforms were flooded with photos and videos of the chariots, devotional dances, and the emotional reactions of pilgrims.
Many influencers and spiritual leaders used platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook to share updates and messages about the significance of Rath Yatra, emphasizing unity, humility, and divine love.
What Lies Ahead
Over the next few days, the deities will reside at Gundicha Temple, where special pujas and rituals will be performed. On the ninth day, the deities will return in a similar grand procession called Bahuda Yatra, completing the sacred cycle of their annual journey.
Conclusion
Rath Yatra 2025 once again showcased the vibrancy of India’s spiritual traditions, drawing millions into a divine celebration that is as ancient as it is awe-inspiring. Amid the towering chariots, heartfelt chants, and shared devotion, the festival reminded everyone of the enduring power of faith, community, and the belief that God walks among the people, not within the walls of a temple, but on the roads, among the masses.
As the chariots rolled forward, they carried with them not just deities but the hopes, prayers, and joy of an entire nation.
