Rath Yatra 2025 | Date | Day | Significance | Rituals & | Legend

When is Rath Yatra in 2025? 

By Intimate viewpoints

Rath Yatra is also known as 'Chariot festival'. This festival is celebrated all over India and also in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. 

Suggest to read:

Yogini Ekadashi 2025 | Date | Day | Significance & Legend

Ganga Dusshera 2025 | Date |Day | & Significance

The term 'Rath Yatra' is actually refers to the popular Rath Yatra of Puri, which is celebrated annually in the Ashadha Shukla paksha. This year, it will be celebrated on the 27th of June, i.e. Friday. 

The rituals of Jagannath Rath Yatra

The preparation for this festival starts a few months in advance. The three huge chariots are constructed for Lord Jagannath and his elder brother Balbhadra and younger sister Subhadra. The Raths are constructed with a premium quality wood. There is no iron nails or bars are used in it. Despite this, it is so strong that more than hundred people along with Mahaprabhu Jagannath ride on it. 

The most special thing about this festival is that it is completely governed by rituals, and the observance of the rules and rituals starts from the time of the construction of the divine chariots. 

 The important rituals are as follows:

Snana Poornima

Before Rath Yatra, deity Jagannath are bathed with 108 ports of water. 

Pahadi Bije

In this ritual, the deities are carried from the temple to their respective chariots. 

Chera Pahara 

This ritual is performed by the Gajapati king of Puri. He sweeps the Chariots with a traditional Golden broom and sprinkle Sandalwood water. This ritual symbolize the humility and equality. 

Rath Yatra 

This is the main event, the three deities are pulled in their chariots by devotees from Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple. 

Gundicha Temple Stay 

The deities stay at the Gundicha temple (their aunt's house) for seven days. Where regular Temple rituals are observed. 

Hera Panchami

Godess Lakshmi visit the Gundicha temple to check on Lord Jagannath. 

Bahuda Yatra 

The deities return to the Jagannath Temple from their aunt's house (Gundicha Temple). 

Suna BesBesha

The deities are adorn with golden ornaments on their return to Jagannath temple. 

Niladri Bije

This is the last ritual of this festival. The deities are reinstated to their places in the Jagannath temple. 

The Mythological Legend Behind Rath Yatra

The origin of Rath Yatra is linked to multiple interwoven legends from the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, and Padma Purana, centering around Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, who are the sibling deities worshipped in the Jagannath Temple at Puri.

1. Krishna's Journey to Vrindavan (Gundicha Yatra)

One of the most prominent legends says that Lord Krishna, now worshipped as Jagannath, once expressed a desire to visit Vrindavan, the place of his childhood memories with Radha and the Gopis. The Rath Yatra symbolizes Krishna’s annual visit to Vrindavan, accompanied by his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The Gundicha Temple, where the chariots travel to, represents Vrindavan, while the Jagannath Temple signifies Dwarka—Krishna’s royal abode.

2. The Incomplete Idol and Divine Vision

Another powerful tale involves King Indradyumna, who wanted to install a deity of Lord Vishnu. He was instructed in a dream to worship a mysterious wooden log (Darubrahma) that would float in the sea. Lord Vishwakarma came in disguise to carve the idols but warned the king not to disturb him for 21 days. However, the king grew impatient and opened the door early. The idols were found incomplete—without fully formed limbs. But a divine voice proclaimed that these forms were sacred and would be worshipped as Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. These idols are placed on the chariots during Rath Yatra.

3. Subhadra’s Curiosity and the Sibling Bond

A popular story tells that Subhadra once wanted to hear about Krishna and Balarama’s adventures. While listening, she became so absorbed that she froze in a certain posture—between her two brothers. This exact formation is replicated on the chariots and explains why Subhadra stands between Jagannath and Balabhadra.