Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Time, Rituals & Significance

Every year, the coastal town of Puri in Odisha transforms into a radiant epicentre of devotion, colour, and unity as it hosts one of India’s oldest and grandest spiritual celebrations—Jagannath Rath Yatra. This sacred event, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is a symbolic journey undertaken by Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Goddess Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, considered the home of their aunt.

In 2025, the Rath Yatra is slated to take place on Friday, June 27, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the globe to witness and participate in this awe-inspiring event. From deeply symbolic rituals to unprecedented public participation, Rath Yatra 2025 promises to be an unforgettable spiritual odyssey.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date and Timings

As per Drik Panchang, the 2025 edition of Rath Yatra will be celebrated on Friday, June 27, corresponding to the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, as per the Hindu lunar calendar.

Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 1:24 PM on June 26, 2025
Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 11:19 AM on June 27, 2025

The spiritual energy of the town begins to build much earlier, starting with Snana Purnima (a sacred bathing ritual), followed by a period of Anavasara, when the deities are secluded from public view and believed to be resting. This culminates in the grand chariot procession on the main day of the festival.

World biggest festival Puri Rath Yatra 🚩

Jai Jagannath swami ⭕️❗️⭕️ pic.twitter.com/HUvjqF45t0— Voice Of Sanatan (@Ritik_Sanatani) June 22, 2025

Key Rituals and Schedule of Rath Yatra 2025

The Rath Yatra is not just a one-day affair but an elaborate nine-day festival filled with spiritually significant events. Here's the complete breakdown of the schedule:

Snana Purnima (Ceremonial Bath) – June 12, 2025
A sacred bathing ritual performed on the deities, marking the beginning of the Yatra festivities.
Anavasara (Seclusion Period) – June 13 to June 26, 2025
After the bath, the deities are believed to fall ill and remain in seclusion, hidden from devotees.
Gundicha Marjana (Temple Cleansing Ritual) – June 26, 2025
The Gundicha Temple is cleaned and sanctified to welcome the deities.
Rath Yatra (Main Procession) – June 27, 2025
The day the three deities travel in three separate, elaborately decorated wooden chariots to Gundicha Temple.
Hera Panchami – July 1, 2025
A symbolic event where Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple to see Lord Jagannath.
Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey) – July 4, 2025
The deities return to their original abode at the Jagannath Temple.
Suna Besha (Golden Adornment Ceremony) – July 5, 2025
The deities are dressed in opulent gold ornaments atop their chariots.
Niladri Bijay (Re-entry into Jagannath Temple) – July 5, 2025
The deities are ceremoniously brought back into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, concluding the Yatra.
#WATCH | Puri, Odisha | Preparations underway at the Jagannath Temple ahead of the Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in Puri. pic.twitter.com/omDPx5zuGP— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2025

Spiritual Significance of Rath Yatra

Beyond its grandeur, Rath Yatra is steeped in spiritual meaning. It is said that each year, Lord Jagannath fulfils his promise to visit his devotees by journeying to the Gundicha Temple. This event is chronicled in the Skanda Purana, affirming the divine commitment of Shree Hari.

What makes this festival truly unique is its message of inclusivity and egalitarianism. People from every caste, creed, and background come together to pull the massive wooden chariots, emphasising the belief that divinity is accessible to all. The act of pulling the chariots is not just a ritual but a spiritual service, symbolising our collective journey toward the divine.

Another moving tradition is Chhera Pahanra, where the King of Puri sweeps the chariot platforms with a golden broom. This act highlights humility before God and underscores that no one is above the divine.

Global Celebrations: ISKCON Rath Yatra and Scotland Observance

While Puri remains the spiritual heart of Rath Yatra, the festival's fervour resonates globally.

ISKCON Prayagraj Rath Yatra – June 29, 2025

As per a report in The Times of India, ISKCON Prayagraj will hold its Rath Yatra on Sunday, June 29, to enable broader public participation. The procession will begin at 4:00 PM from Hira Halwai Crossing and conclude at KP Ground, passing through iconic landmarks like Subhash Chauraha and Hanuman Mandir.

ISKCON’s temple president, Achyuta Mohan Das, emphasised that the Sunday celebration ensures maximum participation and blessings for all attendees.

Rath Yatra in Scotland

The spirit of Rath Yatra also reached Edinburgh, Scotland, where devotees celebrated with immense enthusiasm. The Vice Consul of India and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh participated in the festivities organised by ISKCON, even taking part in the traditional sweeping of the chariot path—a symbolic gesture of humility and devotion.

Heightened Security Measures for Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri

Given the massive influx of devotees, ensuring public safety remains a top priority. On June 22, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level security review, stressing the need for an incident-free festival.

Key security measures include:

Drone surveillance and CCTV monitoring across sensitive areas like Grand Road.
Coast Guards deployed to monitor the coastline.
Advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and drone cameras for crowd control.
Fire safety protocols and emergency response teams in place.
Helicopter surveillance prepared for backup support.

CM Majhi reassured the public that all precautions have been taken and that the state is committed to upholding the sanctity and safety of the event.

Special Trains for Rath Yatra 2025

To manage the anticipated surge in pilgrims, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced 365 special trains to operate during the Rath Yatra period.

These trains will run from various regions including:

Odisha: Rourkela, Biramitrapur, Bangiriposi, Junagarh Road, Badampahar, Boudh, Jagdalpur, Baleswar, Angul, Gunupur, Rayagada.
Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam
Chhattisgarh: Gondia
West Bengal: Santragachi

According to the ECoR, this extensive network aims to streamline travel, especially for those coming from interior and remote regions, thereby enhancing pilgrim convenience and reducing travel barriers.

A Festival of Faith, Unity, and Devotion

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is not just a religious celebration—it’s a soul-stirring expression of India’s spiritual heritage, where centuries-old traditions continue to inspire and unite millions. It reflects a deeper truth—that faith transcends boundaries, and that the journey toward the divine is one that welcomes all, with open arms and rolling chariots.

As the chariots roll through the streets of Puri and beyond, echoing chants of "Jai Jagannath" and the beats of ancient drums, they carry not only the deities but also the hopes, prayers, and devotion of a nation—and a world—bound by faith.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies