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Overview

The world is always moving fast but when it is time for Rath Yatra in Puri everything stops for a little while. This is a time when people come together to celebrate. Every year Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra comes out of the Sri Jagannath Temple. Lord Jagannath does not stay inside the temple he goes out to meet the people of Puri. Lord Jagannath walks and sways and he even smiles it seems like he is feeling all the love that’s, in the air. The people of Puri love Lord Jagannath. They are so happy when he comes out to visit them during Rath Yatra.

This festival is really something. You do not just stand there and watch it. You are a part of the festival. People are pulling the chariots they are walking alongside the deities. They are chanting with strangers. These strangers feel like family for the day. The festival chariots are huge. They are built by hand. The chariots move slowly through Bada Danda. Bada Danda is the grand road that becomes a river of devotion, during the festival. The festival chariots and the people make Bada Danda feel like a river of devotion.

The story starts after Snana Purnima. This is when the deities get a little sick after their bath. They need to rest for a days. You know, like when you catch a fever and just want to sleep. When the deities are feeling better they decide to go out. They want a change of scene.

The deities go to Gundicha Temple. This is their aunts home. The trip to Gundicha Temple feels like something they have done before. It is a time. Many people look forward to this family trip all year. The deities are going to their aunts home for a vacation. This is a break, for them.

Rath Yatra feels deeply human. It speaks of rest, renewal, celebration, and the warmth of stepping out with your loved ones after recovery. It connects with anyone who values family, shared joy, and traditions that feel like home.

When we crave connection and meaning in the middle of busy lives, this festival offers both—with chariots, chants, and a smile from the Lord himself.

Day 01 :

Akshya Tritiya

The festival cycle starts with Akshya Tritiya. This is a day that marks the beginning of getting ready for Rath Yatra. People go to the temple on Akshya Tritiya to ask for fortune and to see the special rituals. These rituals mean that something new is starting. On Akshya Tritiya devotees want to get blessings for prosperity from the temple. They like to see the rituals on Akshya Tritiya because these rituals are, for new beginnings.

Day 02 :

Deba Snana Purnima

On this full moon day the deities are taken out for a big Snana, which is a holy bath. This is an important ritual that means the deities are getting purified and renewed. It is also a chance for people who believe in the deities to see them outside the main temple area, which is a really big deal, for the Snana and the deities. The Snana and the deities are a part of this day.

Day 03 :

Rath Yatra

The best day of the festival is Rath Yatra. This is when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra go on chariots, to the Gundicha Temple. People walk with them. Sing songs and play music. There are a lot of celebrations. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are the people everyone comes to see on Rath Yatra.

Day 04 :

Sandhya Darshana

Sandhya Darshana is really something for people who go to the temple. It is an evening darshan of the deities at the Gundicha Temple. This happens after the procession days. The Sandhya Darshana makes the atmosphere at the Gundicha Temple very calm and peaceful. It is also very good for the spirit. The devotees of the deities really like the Sandhya Darshana, at the Gundicha Temple.

Day 05 :

Bahuda Yatra

The deities go back to the temple on Bahuda Yatra. This is the day they make their return journey. People are very devoted to the deities on this day. The whole town is full of energy. The chariots move back to the temple and everyone is happy. Bahuda Yatra is a day, for the deities and the people.

Day 06 :

Suna Besha

On Suna Besha the deities are dressed up with beautiful gold ornaments. It is a special day. The sight of the deities on Suna Besha is truly amazing and royal. Suna Besha is one of the days of the festival it looks so wonderful and feels very auspicious. The deities, on Suna Besha are a sight to see.

Day 07 :

Adharapana

Adharapana is really special because it has a drink that is sacred. They make this drink in pots. The drink is like a gift, from God giving people who believe in God the nourishment and blessings they need from Adharapana. Adharapana is a place where people go to get these blessings and nourishment from the drink.

Day 08 :

Niladri Bije

The festival concludes with Niladri Bije, when the deities return to the sanctum of the main temple. This ritual marks the formal end of the Rath Yatra celebrations and restores the temple’s regular worship schedule.