Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Begins in Puri; Lakhs of Devotees Join Grand Procession
The sacred city of Puri in Odisha came alive on Friday as the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced with lakhs of devotees participating in one of Hinduism’s most celebrated and inclusive festivals. Observed annually on Dwitiya Tithi, the second day of the waxing moon in the month of Asadh (June–July), the Rath Yatra marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
The massive chariot procession was scheduled to begin at 4 PM following traditional rituals including the revered Pahandi (procession of deities) and Chhera Pahanra (ceremonial sweeping of the chariot deck by the Gajapati King of Puri). The chariots, stationed outside the temple’s Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate), are pulled by thousands of devotees along the Badadanda (Grand Road).
Elaborate arrangements were made in advance to handle the vast number of pilgrims. According to police sources, nearly one lakh devotees had arrived in Puri by Thursday evening, with numbers swelling rapidly by Friday morning. To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, the Odisha government deployed over 10,000 security personnel, including eight companies of Central Armed Police Forces. Additionally, more than 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras have been strategically placed across Puri and along the Konark route to assist in crowd monitoring and management.
The beautifully crafted wooden chariots—each representing one of the sibling deities—are a visual spectacle. Adorned with vibrant fabrics, intricate carvings, floral garlands, and traditional motifs, the chariots reflect the artistic legacy and spiritual fervor of Odisha. Artisans had been working for weeks to prepare the massive structures, which are central to the nine-day festival.
Adding to the spiritual ambiance, cultural performances were staged by local artistes outside the Jagannath Temple earlier in the day. Dressed in traditional attire, they showcased Odisha’s rich heritage of dance and music, offering a vibrant prelude to the religious event.
Despite the pleasant weather in the morning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts for possible thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to 40 kmph in Puri and surrounding districts during the day. Authorities have taken precautionary measures to respond swiftly in case of sudden weather changes.
A unique aspect of the Rath Yatra is its inclusivity. For the only time in the year, the deities leave the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple and come out to the streets, allowing people of all castes, religions, and backgrounds to offer prayers and participate in the procession. This symbolism of equality and divine outreach remains one of the festival’s most cherished traditions.
In a parallel celebration in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel joined thousands at the historic Shree Jagannathji Mandir, participating in the pulling of the chariots. In a first, Lord Jagannath received a ceremonial Guard of Honour in Ahmedabad. CM Patel also offered prayers and flagged off the local Rath Yatra, underlining the festival’s national significance.
As chants of “Jai Jagannath” echoed through Puri and beyond, the Rath Yatra once again reaffirmed its place as not just a spiritual journey, but a powerful symbol of India’s cultural unity and devotion.
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