Puri Rath Yatra 2026 Begins! Lakhs Gather for Lord Jagannath’s Divine Journey
The world-famous Puri Rath Yatra 2026 began on Thursday, July 16, with sacred rituals at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are being ceremonially brought out of the temple for their annual journey to the Gundicha Temple. (OdishaTv)
Pahandi Ritual Begins
The ceremonial Pahandi procession began amid chants of “Jai Jagannath,” accompanied by the sounds of conch shells, cymbals and traditional instruments.
Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath were carried from the temple and placed on their respective chariots—Taladhwaja, Darpadalana and Nandighosa. (OdishaTv)
Devotees Brave Heavy Rain
Lakhs of devotees gathered along Puri’s Bada Danda despite heavy rainfall. The downpour did little to reduce the enthusiasm, with devotees singing, dancing and waiting for a glimpse of the deities.
The India Meteorological Department issued a red warning for Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts due to heavy rain triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. (OdishaTv)
Chhera Pahanra and Chariot Pulling
After the Pahandi ritual, the Gajapati Maharaja is scheduled to perform Chhera Pahanra, the traditional sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom. The ritual symbolises humility and equality before Lord Jagannath.
The pulling of the three chariots towards the Gundicha Temple was scheduled to begin at around 4 pm after the completion of the prescribed ceremonies. (OdishaTv)
Significance of Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra is the annual occasion when Lord Jagannath and his siblings leave the sanctum of the Srimandir and offer darshan to devotees outside the temple.
The deities travel to the Gundicha Temple, where they remain before returning to the Shree Jagannath Temple during the Bahuda Yatra.
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