The Jagannath Rath Yatra is considered one of the most auspicious and religious festivals of the year for Hindus. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is also known as the 'Festival of Chariots', ‘Gundicha Yatra’, ‘Dasavatara’ and ‘Navadina Yatra’.

It is the oldest and largest chariot procession in the world. It is one of the biggest festivals of the Hindus and is observed every year as per the Hindu calendar.

This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm not only in Odisha but all over the country. On this festival, Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra are brought out of the temple in chariots to meet their devotees.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is observed on the Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi in the month of Ashadha (June-July) as per the Hindu calendar. This year Jagannath Rath Yatra will be commenced on 7th July 2024, Sunday.

It is a 9 days festival where the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra is called Bahuda Jatra.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the prestigious festivals for the devotees of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu sacred texts, Goddess Subhadra, the sister of Lord Jagannath, wanted to visit Puri, so to fulfil her wish, the three deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, then travelled to Puri in a chariot.

As per the legend, on this day, lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra went to Gundicha temple via his maternal aunt’s home, which is known as Mausi Maa temple. This is the reason why every year, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are taken on a chariot which is called Jagannath Rath Yatra.

A huge procession takes place where the three deities are carried on a rath (chariot) from Jagannath to the Gundicha temple. All three deities are taken in different chariots, and each of the three chariots has a name.

While Lord Jagannath's chariot is named Nandighosh, Goddess Subhadra's chariot is named Darpadalan, and Lord Balabhadra's chariot is named Taladhwaj. It is also believed that by touching the chariot of Lord Jagannath, you can get rid of all your sins.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most-awaited festivals for Hindus. Though it is majorly celebrated in the Puri, Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Odisha; it is also celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra reside in the Jagannath Temple of Puri.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the religious festivals for the Hindus. On this festival, devotees are advised to wear traditional covered attire to respect religious sentiments. The procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra is accompanied by drums, religious songs, dances etc.  

Jagannath Rath Yatra marks the annual ceremonial journey of lord Jagannath, devi Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra. The festival celebrates the journey of the three deities from their home to their maternal aunt’s home by means of a chariot.

It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal all over India and this year it will be celebrated on 7th July 2024, Sunday. 

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