Rath Yatra 2025: Grand Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath Begins Soon
Preparations are in full gear for the highly awaited Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, or Chariot Festival, or Shree Gundicha Yatra. This holy ceremony signifies the annual trip of Lord Jagannath, as well as his brothers Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date and Time
Based on Drik Panchang, Rath Yatra this year will be observed on Friday, June 27, 2025. The festival falls on the Dwitiya Tithi (second lunar day) of Shukla Paksha in the Ashadha month of the Hindu calendar.
- Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 1:24 PM on June 26, 2025
- Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 11:19 AM on June 27, 2025
Spiritual Significance and Origin
One of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the Jagannath Temple in Puri becomes the epicenter of grand festivities during Rath Yatra. Devotees worship Lord Jagannath as the Supreme Lord of the Universe, alongside his divine siblings.
According to the Skanda Purana, this Yatra symbolizes Shree Hari’s divine journey to his aunt’s house (Gundicha Temple), fulfilling his cosmic promise and blessing his devotees with darshan outside the sanctum.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 Ritual Calendar
The nine-day festival is characterized by a series of spiritually important rituals:
- Anavasara (Retreat Period): June 13 – June 26, 2025
- Gundicha Marjana (Temple Cleaning): June 26, 2025
- Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession): June 27, 2025
- Hera Panchami (Visit of Goddess Lakshmi): July 1, 2025
- Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): July 4, 2025
- Suna Besha (Golden Attire): July 5, 2025
- Niladri Bijay (Return to Jagannath Temple): July 5, 2025
The celebrations start with Rath Yatra and end with Niladri Bijay, the Lord's return to the sanctum.
World and ISKCON Celebrations
Though Jagannath Puri is the venue of the grand event, celebrations take place throughout the globe by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) and other Hindu communities.
ISKCON Prayagraj Rath Yatra – June 29, 2025
ISKCON in Prayagraj will organize its Rath Yatra on Sunday, June 29, to facilitate more public involvement. The yatra will start at 4:00 PM from Hira Halwai Crossing and end at KP Ground, going through Subhash Chauraha and Hanuman Mandir, TOI reported.
"We selected Sunday, June 29, so there are more devotees who can participate and take blessings," ISKCON Prayagraj temple president Achyuta Mohan Das stated.
International Participation
Rath Yatra has also recently been celebrated in Scotland, where devotees congregated in Edinburgh at the direction of ISKCON. The Indian Embassy Scotland posted on X (previously Twitter) with news of the worldwide spiritual importance:
"Vice Consul attended the vibrant #Rathayatra Festival in Edinburgh, organized by ISKCON, where India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage was showcased. The Lord Provost of Edinburgh also participated by sweeping in front of the chariot."
Conclusion
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is not only a religious procession; it's a celebration of divine love, equality, and communal spirit. Wherever you are in Puri, Prayagraj, or Scotland, this sacred pilgrimage unites people from all walks of life to witness and take part in one of India's longest running and most sacred festivals.
Save the date of June 27, 2025, and join in this divine celebration—physically or spiritually from where you are.
FAQ's for Rath Yatra 2025
Q1. What is Jagannath Rath Yatra?
A. Jagannath Rath Yatra is the yearly festival during which Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled in chariots to the Gundicha Temple.
Q2. When is Rath Yatra 2025?
A. Rath Yatra 2025 is on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Q3. Where is the main Rath Yatra?
A. In Puri, Odisha, close to the Jagannath Temple.
Q4. Can I pull the chariot?
A. Yes, it is open to everybody, but for large numbers, adhere to local security and health regulations.
Q5. How long does the festival last?
A. The Yatra takes approximately 9 days, from the start to the return (Bahuda Yatra).
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