The holy city of Puri in Odisha is witnessing vibrant spiritual fervour as the much-awaited Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 begins today. Celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur, the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, also known as Shree Gundicha Yatra, is considered one of the most sacred occasions in the Hindu calendar. This divine journey, mentioned in the Skanda Purana, is a symbol of deep faith and the promise of liberation.
Significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra
According to scriptures like the Bamadev Samhita, devotees who witness Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshana on the Simhasana at the Gundicha Temple for a week attain eternal blessings and a place in Baikuntha. Even hearing or reading about this yatra is believed to bring spiritual merit.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not only a grand procession but also a sacred experience of love and surrender to Lord Jagannath, who rides the chariot as a symbol of Sandhini Shakti (divine energy). The touch of the chariot itself is believed to confer divine grace upon the devotee.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date
This year, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is being celebrated today, on 27th June 2025. Devotees from across the country and world have gathered in Puri to witness this rare spiritual spectacle.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Ritual Schedule
Here’s the full list of puja rituals and timings for the day as per the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA):
Mangala Alati – 6:00 AM
Mailam – 6:10 AM
Tadapalagi – 6:30 AM
Rosha Homa – 6:30 AM
Abakasha – 7:00 AM
Surya Puja – 7:10 AM
Dwarapala Puja – 7:30 AM
Besha Sesha – by 7:30 AM
Gopala Ballava & Sakala Dhupa (Khechudi Bhoga) – 8:00 to 9:00 AM
Ratha Pratishtha – 9:00 AM
Mangalarpana – 9:15 AM
Pahandi Begins – 9:30 AM
Pahandi Ends – by 12:30 PM
Sri Madan Mohan, Sri Ram & Sri Krishna Bije – 12:30 to 1:00 PM
Chita Lagi – 1:30 to 2:00 PM
Besha Sesha – 1:30 to 2:30 PM
Chhera Panhara by Gajapati King – 2:30 to 3:30 PM
Charamala Phita, Ghoda & Sarathi Lagiba – 4:00 PM
Rathatana (Chariot Pulling) – starts at 4:00 PM
The three grand wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are pulled by thousands of devotees as they proceed to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away. The deities stay there for a week before returning to the main Jagannath Temple, in an event called Bahuda Yatra.
Today’s yatra is not just a festival, but a journey of faith, togetherness, and divine connection. It attracts lakhs of pilgrims and is celebrated with chants of Haribol and Jai Jagannath echoing through the streets of Puri.
For devotees unable to attend in person, the Rath Yatra is being telecast live on major TV channels and streamed on official platforms.
