When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025? All you need to know about chariot festival

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.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date and Time

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):

• Dwitiya Tithi begins: 1:24 PM on 26 June 2025
• Dwitiya Tithi ends: 11:19 AM on 27 June 2025

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

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.

Significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra

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〞it＊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.

Nine-Day Festival Schedule of Rath Yatra 2025

The entire celebration continues for nine days, filled with various important rituals and events. Here＊s the full Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 schedule:

• Anavasara: 13 June to 26 June 2025 每 Period when the deities are not visible to devotees
• Gundicha Marjana: 26 June 2025 每 Ritual cleaning of Gundicha Temple
• Rath Yatra: 27 June 2025 每 Main day of the chariot festival
• Hera Panchami: 1 July 2025 每 Goddess Lakshmi＊s symbolic search for Lord Jagannath
• Bahuda Yatra: 4 July 2025 每 Return journey of the deities
• Suna Besha: 5 July 2025 每 Deities appear in golden attire
• Niladri Bijay: 5 July 2025 每 Return to the main temple, ending the Yatra

Jagannath Rath Yatra Celebrations Beyond Puri

ISKCON Rath Yatra in Prayagraj

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.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Celebrated in Scotland

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〞an act of devotion and humility.

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