Krishna · Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra
Rath Yatra
The great chariot festival of Puri, when Lord Jagannath comes out to meet his devotees.
Also known as: Jagannath Rath Yatra, Gundicha Yatra, Car Festival
Date and muhurat
✓ 28.6519°N, 77.2315°E · Asia/Kolkata
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When is it observed?
The second day (Dwitiya) of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha, usually in June or July. The Puri festival follows this tithi.
About Rath Yatra
Every year at Puri in Odisha, the wooden images of Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra are brought out of the main temple and placed on three huge, newly built chariots. Thousands of devotees pull the ropes and draw them along the Grand Road to the Gundicha Temple, about three kilometres away.
The deities stay there for about a week and return in a second procession called Bahuda Yatra. The festival is unusual because the deity who is normally in the sanctum is seen by all, including those who may not enter the temple.
Significance
To devotees the festival expresses the idea that God comes to the people rather than waiting for them. The chariots are drawn by ordinary hands, and tradition holds that taking part in pulling them, or even seeing them, brings spiritual merit.
It also reflects equality: kings once swept the chariot platform with a golden broom in a rite called Chhera Pahanra, showing that all stand humble before the Lord. The English word juggernaut comes from Jagannath.
The festival and how to take part
- 1About two weeks earlier, after the bathing festival, the deities are believed to rest in seclusion and are not seen. The images are freshly painted before the yatra.
- 2On the day, the deities are taken out in a slow, swaying procession called Pahandi to their chariots.
- 3The ruler of Puri performs Chhera Pahanra, sweeping the chariot floor and sprinkling it with sandalwood water.
- 4The chariots are pulled by devotees to Gundicha Temple, with drums, conches, cymbals and the chanting of Jagannath's name.
- 5Away from Puri, devotees organise local processions with a small chariot, or watch it online.
- 6At home, light a lamp before an image of Jagannath, offer flowers, and chant a simple name-prayer such as Jai Jagannath.
- 7Offer a simple bhog of rice, dal and sweets, and share it as prasad. Mahaprasad at Puri is eaten from earthen pots.
- 8Many fast or eat sattvic food, and give food or donations to the needy.
The story
One popular tradition says that Subhadra once wished to see the city, and Krishna and Balarama took her out in a chariot. The yatra recalls that journey, with the brother and sister travelling together.
Another account links the visit to Gundicha, regarded as a devotee of Krishna, as the deity's aunt, or as the queen who first established the temple where the images were made. In the Puri tradition, Jagannath is seen as a form of Krishna and Vishnu, and his unfinished-looking wooden form is explained by a legend of King Indradyumna and a divine carpenter who was interrupted at work.
What to do
- ✓Chant the name of Jagannath with devotion.
- ✓Take part in or watch the procession respectfully.
- ✓Share prasad and food with others.
- ✓Keep to queues and follow instructions if you attend in person.
- ✓Help elderly and children in the crowd.
What to avoid
- ✕Do not push or crowd near the chariots.
- ✕Avoid carrying valuables into the crush.
- ✕Do not litter the route or the temple area.
- ✕Avoid quarrels and disrespectful behaviour during the procession.
Around the country
- Puri, Odisha: the original and largest Rath Yatra, with three newly built chariots every year.
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat: a large procession from the Jagannath temple, with elephants and tableaux.
- West Bengal: Mahesh and Mahishadal host old Rath Yatras, with Mahesh among the oldest outside Puri.
- Worldwide: ISKCON centres hold Rath Yatras in London, New York, Toronto and many other cities.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the chariots rebuilt every year?
By tradition the three chariots are made afresh each year from specified types of wood, beginning on Akshaya Tritiya, and are dismantled after the festival.
Can non-Hindus see Jagannath?
Entry to the Puri temple itself is restricted to Hindus, but during the Rath Yatra the deities ride out on the chariots and can be seen by everyone on the road.
Which tithi decides the date?
The festival is held on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. The date shown on this page is computed from the panchang for your location.