The sacred town of Puri will witness one of the most emotionally significant rituals of the annual Rath Yatra today as Hera Panchami, observed on the fifth day of the nine-day chariot festival, is celebrated with great devotion. More than just a temple ritual, Hera Panchami represents a timeless tale of love, separation, marital affection and divine play in the Jagannath tradition.

The festival commemorates the symbolic visit of Goddess Lakshmi to the Gundicha Temple after Lord Jagannath departs for His annual sojourn along with His elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra, leaving Her behind at the Srimandir.

According to Jagannath tradition, Goddess Lakshmi, upset over not being taken along on the journey, sets out to bring Lord Jagannath back to the temple. However, she is informed that the Lord will return only after completing His nine-day stay at the Gundicha Temple. Angered by this, the Goddess symbolically damages a portion of Nandighosha, Lord Jagannath’s chariot, before returning to the Srimandir. This unique ritual, depicting divine affection expressed through loving resentment, is known as Hera Panchami.

The ceremony is regarded as one of the most cherished episodes of the Rath Yatra, reflecting the human emotions of love, longing and reconciliation through divine symbolism.

Temple Schedule for Hera Panchami

As per the schedule issued by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the day’s rituals began early in the morning.

The temple doors opened at 4:00 AM, followed by Mangala Alati before 5:00 AM. Rituals including Mailam, Tadap Lagi, and Abakash Niti were completed by 6:00 AM.

Sahanamela Darshan was held from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM, followed by Rosha Homa, Surya Puja, Dwarapala Puja, and the adornment of the deities.

The Sakala Dhupa ritual is scheduled between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, while Bhoga Mandap offerings will be completed by 12:30 PM.

Later in the day, the deities will undergo Mailam, Yatrangi Mahasnana, Ghanta Chhata Sarbang, and Nua Lugaa Lagi rituals before the Madhyahna Dhupa, scheduled between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. The second Bhoga Mandap offering will conclude by 5:30 PM.

Evening rituals include Sandhya Alati, Mahasnana, Alankara Lagi, and Sandhya Dhupa.

During the Sandhya Dhupa ritual, Goddess Lakshmi (Shridevi) will proceed from the Srimandir to the chariot near the Gundicha Temple. After receiving the Agyan Mala (garland of permission), the symbolic Hera Panchami ritual will be performed before the Goddess returns to the temple.

The Sandhya Dhupa is expected to conclude by 9:50 PM, followed by Mailam, Chandana Lagi, Badasinghara Besha, and finally Pahuda, which is scheduled to conclude around 1:00 AM.

Hera Panchami remains one of the most spiritually and culturally significant observances of the Jagannath tradition, drawing lakhs of devotees every year to witness this unique expression of divine love and devotion during the world-famous Rath Yatra.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory for Puri, warning of moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities. The advisory urges devotees to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines while participating in the annual festival.

According to the IMD, if heavy rain, lightning, or strong winds occur, devotees should immediately move to a safe and permanent shelter and avoid remaining in open areas until weather conditions improve.

The weather office has advised people not to take shelter under trees, electric poles, or temporary structures during thunderstorms, as these can pose serious safety risks.

Devotees have also been asked to closely monitor official weather updates throughout the day, as monsoon weather conditions can change rapidly. Despite cloudy skies, humidity levels are expected to remain high, making it essential to stay hydrated and carry sufficient drinking water.

The advisory recommends wearing non-slip footwear while walking on the rain-soaked and slippery Grand Road (Bada Danda) to avoid accidents. Pilgrims are also encouraged to keep their mobile phones fully charged and follow official alerts during their visit.

Special care has been advised for elderly devotees, children, and people with existing health conditions, who should avoid prolonged exposure to heavy rain and overcrowded areas.

The IMD has further urged visitors to protect their mobile phones, valuables, and important documents by keeping them in waterproof bags or pouches.

For those planning to visit Puri Beach, authorities have advised that sea bathing should be done only at designated and permitted locations. Devotees have been warned to avoid entering the sea during high tide or when the sea remains rough due to adverse weather conditions.

With lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the Rath Yatra, authorities have appealed to everyone to follow weather advisories and safety instructions to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.

Under the influence of a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coast, widespread rainfall lashed Odisha on Thursday, disrupting normal life in several districts while lakhs of devotees continued to participate in the annual Rath Yatra in Puri.

Puri has been witnessing continuous rainfall since Thursday. The holy town recorded 105.8 mm of rainfall in the last 36 hours. Despite the wet weather, lakhs of devotees gathered on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) and participated in the chariot-pulling ceremony, braving the rain with unwavering devotion.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar, has issued a Yellow Warning for Puri for Friday, forecasting heavy rainfall. However, rainfall intensity is expected to reduce after the afternoon.

Several parts of Odisha received intense rainfall over the past 24 hours. During Wednesday night, Angul recorded the state’s highest rainfall of 206 mm, followed by Talcher (195 mm), Dhenkanal (116 mm), Nayagarh (110 mm), Jagatsinghpur (95 mm), Puri (89.5 mm), and Bargarh (75.8 mm). Many other places also recorded more than 50 mm of rainfall, affecting normal life.

Rainfall continued across the state on Thursday morning. Hirakud recorded 97 mm, Sambalpur 94.4 mm, Sonepur 27 mm, Titlagarh 26 mm, and Boudh 24 mm in western Odisha. In coastal districts, Jagatsinghpur recorded 30.2 mm, Khurda 27 mm, and Bhubaneswar 22 mm of rainfall.

The weather office said the active low-pressure system is likely to keep the monsoon vigorous over Odisha for the next two days, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in several districts, although the overall intensity is likely to be lower than Thursday.

An Orange Warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Nuapada, and Balangir, where isolated places are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

A Yellow Warning has been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Puri, Khurda, and Nayagarh, with the possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places.

The IMD has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, as heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging, localized flooding, and disruption of transport and daily activities in several parts of the state.

The pulling of the three majestic chariots resumed on Friday morning along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) in Puri after the procession was halted the previous evening due to inadequate lighting.

The chariot pulling began at around 9:30 AM, with Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja leading the procession. Goddess Subhadra’s Darpadalana (Devadalana) followed in the middle, while Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha rolled behind, echoing through the Grand Road with its distinctive rumble.

On Thursday, Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha had stopped near the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Shree Jagannath Temple. Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja had halted near the Fire Station, while Goddess Subhadra’s Darpadalana remained stationed near Marichi Kote Chhak after the day’s procession was suspended.

Despite the halt, thousands of devotees stayed on the Grand Road throughout the night, offering prayers and receiving darshan of the deities seated on their chariots. All scheduled morning rituals and ceremonial practices were completed before the chariots resumed their journey towards Sharadhabali, near the Gundicha Temple.

The atmosphere on the Grand Road turned deeply devotional as chants of “Jai Jagannath” echoed through the air. The sounds of bells, conches, cymbals, devotional songs, and traditional ululation filled the sacred avenue as devotees enthusiastically pulled the chariots with the holy ropes.

For many pilgrims, participating in the second phase of the Gundicha Yatra was an emotional and spiritual experience. Some were seen shedding tears of devotion, while others offered full prostrations before the Lord, expressing their faith and gratitude.

Devotees continued to pull the chariots towards the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will remain on the chariots to bless devotees from Sharadhabali later in the day. The ceremonial Adapa Bije, during which the deities enter the Gundicha Temple, is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee confirmed the schedule and stated that the previous day’s chariot pulling had been stopped following the recommendation of the Bhoi Sardar because of poor visibility after nightfall.

Despite adverse weather conditions during this year’s Rath Yatra, an estimated 10 to 12 lakh devotees gathered in Puri, reflecting the immense religious significance and enduring appeal of the annual festival.

Ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra, the Odisha Health Department has issued a comprehensive health advisory for devotees visiting Puri, urging them to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy pilgrimage.

The department has advised people suffering from fever, cold, cough, flu or other infectious symptoms to avoid crowded places during the festival. Devotees have also been asked to drink only safe drinking water, wash their hands thoroughly before eating, and maintain personal hygiene throughout their visit.

Avoid Unsafe Food, Stay Hydrated

The advisory cautions pilgrims against consuming food sold in the open, stale or foul-smelling food, artificially coloured items, fruits and vegetables that appear spoiled, or food exposed to flies.

To prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses, devotees have been advised to wear a light-coloured cap or cover their heads with a wet cloth, drink sufficient ORS and water, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Safety Measures for Pilgrims

The Health Department has urged visitors to follow the instructions of lifeguards while taking a dip in the sea to prevent accidents. Those staying overnight in Puri have been advised to use mosquito nets or mosquito repellents.

Special care has also been recommended for children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who should be kept away from overcrowded areas. Anyone feeling unwell has been advised to immediately visit the nearest medical centre.

For emergencies, devotees can contact the Puri Hospital Control Room (06752-222175), the State Health Helpline (104) or call 108 Ambulance Services.

Three Chariots Reach Singhadwara

Meanwhile, Puri has transformed into a sea of devotees ahead of the grand Rath Yatra. While sacred rituals continue inside the Shree Jagannath Temple, the three majestic chariots have taken their designated positions in front of the Singhadwara.

Following the Gopal Ballav and Sakala Dhupa rituals, the sacred Agyanmala was ceremonially brought from the temple and offered to the three chariots by the designated temple servitors.

As per tradition, the chariots were then pulled from the Rath Khala to the Singhadwara. Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, arrived first, followed by Debadalana, the chariot of Goddess Subhadra, and finally Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra.

Spiritual Fervour Grips Puri

With the three chariots now stationed before the temple, the spiritual atmosphere in Puri has intensified. Thousands of devotees have gathered along the Bada Danda, offering prayers and eagerly awaiting the divine appearance of Lord Jagannath during the Rath Yatra.

The Grand Road reverberates with chants of “Jai Jagannath,” the ringing of temple bells, devotional hymns, and the fragrance of incense, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion as the holy city prepares for one of the world’s largest religious festivals.

Millions gather every year for a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, believing that His Rath Yatra darshan brings divine blessings, peace and spiritual fulfilment.

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.

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.