Rath Yatra 2026 Schedule
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Rath Yatra (Gundicha Yatra) | June 23, 2026 | Tuesday |
| Hera Panchami | June 27, 2026 | Saturday |
| Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey) | July 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Suna Besha (Golden Attire) | July 2, 2026 | Thursday |
| Niladri Bije (Deities Return) | July 3, 2026 | Friday |
The Three Chariots (Rathas)
Nandighosa - Lord Jagannath's Chariot
Height: 45 feet (13.7 m) | Wheels: 16 | Colors: Red & Yellow
Charioteer: Daruka | Horses: 4 white horses (Shankha, Balahaka, Shweta, Haridashwa)
Flag: Trailokyamohini | Protector: Garuda
Taladhwaja - Lord Balabhadra's Chariot
Height: 44 feet (13.4 m) | Wheels: 14 | Colors: Blue & Red
Charioteer: Matali | Horses: 4 black horses (Tribra, Ghora, Dirghasharma, Swornanabha)
Flag: Unnani | Protector: Vasudeva
Darpadalana - Goddess Subhadra's Chariot
Height: 43 feet (13.1 m) | Wheels: 12 | Colors: Black & Red
Charioteer: Arjuna | Horses: 4 red horses (Rochika, Mochika, Jita, Aparajita)
Flag: Nadambika | Protector: Jayadurga
Rath Yatra Rituals
Chhera Pahanra - The King's Ritual
In a unique tradition, the Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariot floors with a golden-handled broom. This symbolizes that before Lord Jagannath, everyone is equal - even kings serve as sweepers. The current Gajapati Maharaja continues this centuries-old tradition.
The Journey Route
Grand Road (Bada Danda)
The chariots travel on the Grand Road (Bada Danda), a 3-kilometer stretch from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.
Rath Yatra: Jagannath Temple → Gundicha Temple (June 23)
Bahuda Yatra: Gundicha Temple → Jagannath Temple (July 1)
Millions of devotees pull the massive chariots using thick ropes. It's believed that pulling the chariot grants immense spiritual merit and liberation (moksha).
Important Temples
Jagannath Temple, Puri
Location: Puri, Odisha | Deity: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra
One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The 12th-century temple is 65 meters tall. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple.
Gundicha Temple
Location: Puri | Also called: Garden House of Jagannath
The destination of Rath Yatra. Deities stay here for 7 days. Named after Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna.
Mausi Maa Temple
Location: Puri | Deity: Goddess Ardhasoshani (Aunt)
During Bahuda Yatra, Lord Jagannath's chariot stops here. The deity receives Poda Pitha (burnt cake) offering.
Lingaraj Temple
Location: Bhubaneswar | Deity: Lord Shiva (Harihara)
Largest temple in Bhubaneswar. Also celebrates Rath Yatra with its own chariot festival.
Mahaprasad - Sacred Food
Khechudi
Rice and lentil preparation, the main Mahaprasad offering.
Dalma
Lentils cooked with vegetables, a temple specialty.
Khaja
Layered sweet, famous temple prasad.
Dry Mahaprasad
56 varieties (Chhappan Bhog) offered daily.
Ananda Bazaar: The world's largest kitchen feeds over 100,000 devotees daily. The prasad is cooked in earthen pots using wood fire. No onion or garlic is used.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Rath Yatra 2026 in Puri?
Rath Yatra 2026 falls on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. It is celebrated on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (second day of bright fortnight in Ashadha month).
Can non-Hindus attend Rath Yatra?
Yes, non-Hindus can witness the Rath Yatra on Grand Road. However, entry to the main Jagannath Temple is restricted to Hindus only.
Why are new chariots built every year?
New chariots are constructed annually using specific types of wood (neem, jackfruit, sal) following ancient specifications. After Rath Yatra, the chariots are dismantled, and the wood is used in the temple kitchen.
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