Rath Yatra 2026: Chariots Reach Singhadwara Ahead of Grand Festival; Chariot Pulling Scheduled at 4 PM on Thursday

The stage is set for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath as the three majestic chariots are being brought from the Rath Khala to the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Shree Jagannath Temple on the eve of the annual festival. Following the ceremonial Agyanmala Bije, the chariots will take their final position before the grand procession begins on Thursday.

The arrival of the chariots at the temple entrance marks the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the sacred Gundicha Yatra, one of the largest religious festivals in the world. Devotees from across India and abroad have already gathered along the Bada Danda (Grand Road), eagerly awaiting the annual journey of the sibling deities.

The Grand Road has been cleaned and decorated, while chants of “Jai Jagannath” and “Haribol” echo throughout the holy town of Puri. Thousands of devotees have occupied vantage points along the route, spending the night in anticipation of witnessing Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra emerge from the temple and ascend their magnificent chariots.

As per tradition, the Agyanmala from the deities is first brought to the Rath Khala, symbolising divine approval for the movement of the chariots. After the ritual, Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, is brought first to the Singhadwara, followed by Darpadalana (Debadalana), the chariot of Goddess Subhadra, and Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has confirmed that all ritual schedules for Rath Yatra have been finalised with the approval of the Chhatisa Nijog, the Niti Sub-Committee, and the Temple Managing Committee. Authorities have also completed elaborate security, crowd management and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.

According to the approved ritual schedule, Mangala Alati will be held at 6:00 am, Ratha Pratistha at 9:00 am, and the sacred Pahandi Bije will begin at 9:30 am. The Chhera Pahanra ritual, during which the Gajapati Maharaja ceremonially sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, will take place between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

The ceremonial fixing of the Charamala, along with the installation of the horses and charioteers, is scheduled between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The much-awaited pulling of the three chariots will commence at 4:00 pm, marking the beginning of the nine-day journey of the deities to the Gundicha Temple.

With the chariots now ready, the ritual schedule finalised and the holy city immersed in devotional fervour, Puri awaits the commencement of the grand Rath Yatra, an event that draws millions of devotees and visitors from around the world.