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Rath Yatra in Puri: How the Chariot Festival Works

On the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June or July), the deities leave the temple and travel by chariot to the Gundicha Temple, about three kilometres away. They return on the tenth day. Because the festival happens on the public road, anyone can see the deities.

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When it happens

According to the temple administration, the Gundicha Yatra (the outward Rath Yatra) takes place on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha, and the Bahuda Yatra (the return) on the tenth day of the same fortnight. In the Gregorian calendar this falls in June or July; the exact date changes every year.

Source: SJTA: FAQs. Checked 2 October 2026.

The chariots are pulled to the Shree Gundicha Temple, which the administration describes as about three kilometres from the main temple, along the Grand Road (Bada Danda).

Source: SJTA: Ratha Yatra. Checked 2 October 2026.

The three chariots

The chariots are newly built every year. The Government of Odisha's Rath Jatra website says they are made with wood of specified trees, such as phassi and dhausa, brought from the Dasapalla area. It describes them as follows:

Nandighosa

Lord Jagannath

Wheels
16
Height
45 ft
Canopy
Red and yellow
Charioteer
Matali

Taladhwaja

Lord Balabhadra

Wheels
14
Height
44 ft
Canopy
Red and blue
Charioteer
Daruka

Darpadalana

Devi Subhadra

Wheels
12
Height
43 ft
Canopy
Red and black
Charioteer
Arjuna

Source: Rath Jatra, Government of Odisha (NIC): The chariots. Checked 2 October 2026.

Other published accounts give further details, such as the names of horses and guardian deities, but they do not always agree with one another, so they are not repeated here.

The sequence of the festival

The festival is the high point of a longer cycle. The order below is the one commonly described; dates for each year are announced by the temple administration.

  1. Jyeshtha Purnima

    Snana Yatra

    The ritual bathing of the deities. Afterwards, according to the temple administration, darshan is not possible for 15 days. More on Snana Purnima and Anasara.

  2. Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya

    Rath Yatra (Gundicha Yatra)

    The deities are brought out in procession (pahandi), the Gajapati of Puri sweeps the chariots in the Chhera Pahanra ritual, and devotees pull the chariots to the Gundicha Temple.

  3. During the stay

    Hera Panchami

    Temple tradition Goddess Lakshmi, left behind at the main temple, visits the Gundicha Temple in search of Jagannath.

  4. Ashadha Shukla Dashami

    Bahuda Yatra

    The return journey to the main temple.

  5. After Bahuda

    Suna Besha, Adhara Pana and Niladri Bije

    The deities are adorned with gold ornaments on the chariots outside the Lion Gate (Suna Besha), offered a sweet drink (Adhara Pana), and finally return to the sanctum (Niladri Bije).

Source: SJTA: Ratha Yatra; SJTA: FAQs. Checked 2 October 2026.

On Rath Yatra day

Pahandi

The deities are carried out of the temple to the chariots in a swaying procession, accompanied by gongs, conches and cymbals.

Chhera Pahanra

The Gajapati of Puri sweeps the platform of each chariot. Devotional belief For devotees, the sight of the king acting as the Lord's servant expresses the equality of all before Jagannath.

Pulling the chariots

Devotees pull the chariots by thick ropes. Progress can be slow and stops are common, so the journey may take many hours.

Attending: practical tips

  • Book early. Hotels and trains fill up months ahead.
  • Heat and rain. It is hot and humid, often with monsoon showers. Carry water and rehydration salts.
  • Crowd safety. Keep children and elderly people well away from the ropes and wheels. Agree a meeting point and follow police instructions.
  • Travel light. Carry ID, a little cash and a charged phone in a secure pocket.
  • Consider the return journey. Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha can be less crowded than the first day.

Dates change every year. Check the temple administration's announcements before booking. Arrangements for crowds and traffic are announced by the district administration each year.

Planning a trip to Puri?

Travel routes, dress code, what to carry, the best days to go and a sample itinerary, in one place.

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Common questions

When is Rath Yatra in Puri?

On the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya), which falls in June or July. The return, Bahuda Yatra, is on the tenth day of the same fortnight, according to the temple administration.

Can non-Hindus see the Rath Yatra?

Yes. The festival takes place on the public road, where everyone can see the deities on the chariots.

How far do the chariots travel?

The temple administration describes the Gundicha Temple as about three kilometres from the main temple.

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