The sacred city of Puri is immersed in an atmosphere of devotion and celebration as the world-famous Rath Yatra (Ghosa Yatra) begins today. The chants of “Jai Jagannath” echo across the holy town, with lakhs of devotees gathering to witness one of the largest and most revered religious festivals in the world.
Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, will descend from the Ratna Singhasana (jeweled throne) and proceed to their majestic chariots in the traditional Pahandi procession. According to the schedule, Pahandi will begin at 9:30 AM, while the ceremonial pulling of the three chariots is set to commence at 4:00 PM.
Rath Yatra: A Festival Celebrated Across the World
Rath Yatra is not only the biggest festival of Puri but also one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across Odisha, India, and many countries around the world. The festival commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
Among the twelve major festivals (Dwadasha Yatras) observed at the Jagannath Temple, Rath Yatra is considered the most significant. Celebrated on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, the nine-day festival is known by several names in scriptures and folklore, including Ghosa Yatra, Patitapabana Yatra, Uttarabhimukhi Yatra, Navadinatmika Yatra, Dashavatara Yatra, Gundicha Mahotsav, and Adapa Yatra.
Rath Yatra 2026 Ritual Schedule
| Time | Ritual |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Mangala Alati |
| 6:10 AM – 6:30 AM | Mailam & Tadap Lagi |
| 6:30 AM | Rosha Homa |
| 7:00 AM | Abakash Ritual |
| 7:10 AM | Surya Puja |
| 7:30 AM | Dwarapala Puja |
| 7:30 AM | Completion of Besha |
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Gopal Ballav & Sakala Dhupa (Khechudi Bhoga) |
| 9:00 AM | Rath Pratistha |
| 9:15 AM | Mangalarpana |
| 9:30 AM | Pahandi Begins |
| 12:30 PM | Pahandi Concludes |
| 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Madanmohan Bije |
| 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Chita Lagi |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Completion of Besha |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Chhera Pahanra (Royal Sweeping Ritual) |
| 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Charaphita & Installation of Horses and Charioteers |
| From 4:00 PM | Pulling of the Three Chariots Begins |
The Rath Yatra symbolizes the Lord’s annual journey to meet His devotees beyond the temple walls, reinforcing the message of equality, compassion, and universal devotion. As millions of devotees gather in Puri and countless others celebrate across India and abroad, the grand festival once again showcases Odisha’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage before the world.