Rath Yatra 2025 begins in Puri, Odisha! Lakhs of devotees join the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Check out the breathtaking photos and highlights from the chariot festival
📍 Rath Yatra 2025 Begins in Puri with Divine Fervour
The sacred coastal town of Puri, Odisha transformed into a spiritual hub on June 27, 2025, as lakhs of devotees participated in the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. The event marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, in grand wooden chariots pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri.
🛕 Significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra is one of the oldest and most prominent Hindu festivals, dating back to ancient times. It is the only occasion when the deities are taken out of the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple and presented to the public.
- Jagannath rides the Nandighosa chariot
- Balabhadra rides Taladhwaja
- Subhadra is taken in the Darpadalana chariot
These magnificent chariots are constructed anew each year and are pulled by devotees from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away.
📸 Rath Yatra 2025: Visual Splendour Captured in Photos
Thousands of cameras and smartphones were out as people captured the colorful and grand spectacle of Rath Yatra 2025. From intricately decorated chariots to the energy of the sea of devotees in saffron and white, here’s a quick look at the event’s highlights:
- Giant chariots being pulled by ropes in unison
- Sadhus, saints, and international pilgrims dancing in joy
- Folk performances and devotional music filling the air
- Vibrant rangolis and traditional Odia decorations along the route
- Local volunteers distributing prasad and water in the summer heat
🙏 Devotees from Around the World Join in Spiritual Celebration
Puri saw a massive influx of pilgrims from across India and abroad. Special trains and buses were run to accommodate the crowd. Local authorities arranged extensive security, healthcare booths, and accommodation facilities to manage the gathering.
Many devotees consider pulling the chariot ropes as a lifetime blessing, believed to cleanse one’s sins and ensure liberation.
🚨 Safety, Crowd Control & Ritual Arrangements
To ensure the safe conduct of Rath Yatra 2025:
- Over 10,000 police personnel were deployed
- 300+ CCTV cameras monitored the crowd
- Drone surveillance provided real-time updates
- Medical camps and ambulances were placed every 500 meters
Temple servitors and priests conducted rituals including the Pahandi Bije (ceremonial procession of the deities), Chhera Pahanra (sweeping of the chariot floor by the Gajapati king), and other age-old traditions.
📅 Rath Yatra 2025 Schedule
- June 27 – Rath Yatra: Deities travel to Gundicha Temple
- July 4 – Bahuda Yatra: Return journey to the Jagannath Temple
- July 5 – Suna Besha: Golden attire ceremony of the deities
- July 6 – Niladri Bije: Return to sanctum and conclusion of festival
🌍 Global Connect: Rath Yatra Celebrated Beyond India
From London and New York to Durban and Singapore, Jagannath temples and ISKCON centers across the globe celebrated mini Rath Yatras with decorated carts, devotional singing (bhajans), and free vegetarian meals (prasad).
🌟 Why Rath Yatra Matters in Today’s Times
Rath Yatra isn’t just a festival—it’s a symbol of unity, humility, and devotion. It allows people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate divinity in its most accessible form. In an age of growing disconnection, the festival reminds us of timeless values and shared spiritual heritage.
📣 Stay Updated
For more updates, live photos, and behind-the-scenes moments from Rath Yatra 2025, stay tuned to our festival coverage section.
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