Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Also called Chariot Festival, in 2025 is approaching and preparations are in full swing for one of the grandest and most sacred festivals celebrated by Hindus, especially in Puri, Odisha. This annual event attracts lakhs of devotees from all parts of India and across the world.
Let¡¯s explore the date, history, and significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, along with its detailed schedule.
This year, Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, 27 June 2025. The auspicious event takes place every year on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the Shukla Paksha in Ashadha month as per the Hindu calendar.
Rath Yatra Timings (as per Drik Panchang):
This marks the day when Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, travels from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is considered their maternal aunt¡¯s home.
The history of Jagannath Rath Yatra dates back to between the 12th and 16th centuries. The tradition has been passed down for generations and is deeply rooted in the sacred scriptures like the Skanda Purana. According to legend, Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, makes this divine journey to honour a promise to visit his aunt's temple every year.
The Rath Yatra symbolises Lord Krishna¡¯s journey from Gokul to Mathura, representing his spiritual transition and duty. It also reflects the divine intention to bless devotees, especially those who are unable to enter the sanctum of the main temple.
The significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spiritual and symbolic. Lord Jagannath, known as the "Lord of the Universe", travels in a giant wooden chariot along with his siblings, showering divine blessings upon devotees lining the streets.
The journey to Gundicha Temple is not just a physical movement¡ªit¡¯s a spiritual journey reminding devotees of the eternal connection between God and humanity. The act of pulling the chariots is considered highly auspicious, as is sweeping the path before them, a tradition even followed by kings and officials as a gesture of humility.
The entire celebration continues for nine days, filled with various important rituals and events. Here¡¯s the full Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 schedule:
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will organise its own Rath Yatra in Prayagraj on Sunday, 29 June 2025. According to ISKCON officials, the chariot will start from Hira Halwai Crossing at 4:00 PM and pass through Subhash Chauraha and Hanuman Mandir before reaching KP Ground.
ISKCON temple president Achyuta Mohan Das mentioned they chose Sunday to ensure a larger number of people could attend and seek blessings.
Interestingly, the spiritual aura of Jagannath Rath Yatra has reached Scotland as well. Devotees in Edinburgh recently participated in a grand celebration organised by ISKCON. The Vice Consul of the Indian Embassy and even the Lord Provost of Edinburgh took part in this divine festival, sweeping the path in front of the chariot¡ªan act of devotion and humility.
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