Rath Yatra 2026 Ritual Schedule Finalised; Chaturdha Deities to Be Taken in Traditional Dhadi Pahandi

The ritual schedule (Niti Nirghanta) for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath has been finalised after receiving approval from the Chhatisa Nijog, the Niti Sub-Committee, and the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee. The schedule outlines the timing of all major rituals to be observed on the day of the world-famous Gundicha Yatra.

According to the approved schedule, Mangala Alati will be completed by 6:00 am on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, the day of Rath Yatra. This will be followed by Mailam and Tadapalagi from 6:10 am to 6:30 am, Rosha Homa at 6:30 am, Abakasha Niti by 7:00 am, Surya Puja by 7:10 am, and Dwarapala Puja by 7:30 am. The Sakala Dhupa ritual will be performed between 8:00 am and 9:00 am.

The Ratha Pratistha (consecration of the chariots) will be completed by 9:00 am, followed by Mangalarpana at 9:15 am. The sacred Pahandi Bije, during which the deities are ceremonially carried from the sanctum to their respective chariots, is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am and conclude by 12:30 pm. Between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm, the ceremonial procession of Madan Mohan, Rama and Krishna will take place.

The Rajaniti and the traditional Chhera Pahanra ritual, in which the Gajapati Maharaja sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, will be performed between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. From 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the ceremonial fixing of the Charamala, along with the installation of the horses and charioteers, will be completed. The pulling of the three chariots is scheduled to begin at 4:00 pm.

Chaturdha Deities to Proceed in Traditional Dhadi Pahandi

The four sacred deities will be taken from the Ratna Bedi of the Shree Jagannath Temple to their chariots on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) through the traditional Dhadi Pahandi procession.

The procession will begin with Lord Sudarshan, who will be carried to Debadalana, the chariot of Goddess Subhadra. He will be followed by Lord Balabhadra, who will be taken to Taladhwaja, his chariot.

Next, Goddess Subhadra will be lovingly carried by the servitors and seated beside Lord Sudarshan on the Debadalana chariot.

Finally, Lord Jagannath will make His grand appearance in the iconic Goti Pahandi, gracefully swaying His ceremonial Tahia as He proceeds to the Nandighosha chariot amid chants of devotees and the beating of traditional instruments.

With the ritual schedule now officially approved, the Shree Jagannath Temple administration and various stakeholders are set to make final preparations for the grand annual festival, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and around the world.