Puri: Today, Friday, June 27, 2025, the holy city of Puri in Odisha is abuzz with spiritual fervor as it observes the grand annual Rath Jatra, the Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
This auspicious festival, also known as Shree Gundicha Jatra, marks the unique occasion when the deities emerge from the confines of the Srimandir to embark on a ceremonial journey to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt’s abode, allowing millions of devotees to witness their divine presence.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Chief Administrator Dr.Arabinda Kumar Padhee has said “The Rath Jatra is a profound expression of devotion, unity, and the belief that the Lord Himself comes out to bless His devotees, irrespective of caste or creed. The nine-day festival is steeped in ancient rituals and traditions, each carrying deep spiritual significance”.
Timeline of Major Rituals for Rath Jatra Day (June 27, 2025):
The day’s sacred rituals commenced early in the morning, setting the spiritual tone for the magnificent procession.
- Mangala Alati: 6:00 AM – The day begins with the auspicious Mangala Alati, a ritual offering of lamps to awaken the deities.
- Mailam: 6:10 AM – The deities are prepared for the day.
- Tadapalagi & Rosha Homa: 6:30 AM – Further preparations and a fire ritual for purification and auspiciousness.
- Abakasha: 7:00 AM – A ritualistic bathing of the deities with fragrant water.
- Surya Puja: 7:10 AM – Offering prayers to the Sun God.
- Dwarapala Puja & Besha Sesha: 7:30 AM – Worship of the temple guardians and final adornment of the deities.
- Gopala Ballabha & Sakala Dhupa (Khechudi Bhoga): 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM – Offering of breakfast to the deities.
- Ratha Pratishtha: 9:00 AM – The ceremonial consecration of the newly built chariots, invoking divine energy into them.
- Mangalarpana: 9:15 AM – A ritual to ensure the auspiciousness of the day.
- Pahandi Bije (Beginning of Procession): 9:30 AM (starts) to 12:30 PM (ends) – This is one of the most spectacular rituals, where the deities are ceremoniously brought out of the Jagannath Temple in a grand procession amidst fervent chants, music, and the rhythmic swaying of the servitors. The deities are carried in a unique, swaying manner known as ‘Pahandi,’ symbolizing their majestic walk.
- Sri Sri Madan Mohan, Sri Sri Ram and Sri Sri Krishan Bije: 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM – The representative deities are also brought to their respective chariots.
- Chitalagi & Besha Sesha: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM – Final touching up of the deities’ adornments.
- Chhera Panhara by Gajapati King: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM – A deeply symbolic ritual where the King of Puri, in his capacity as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath, sweeps the chariots’ path with a golden broom. This act signifies humility and demonstrates that even a king is a humble servant of the Lord.
- Charamala Phita, Ghoda and Sarathi Lagiba: 4:00 PM – The ropes used for pulling the chariots are untied, and the wooden horses and charioteers (Sarathi) are installed.
- Rathatana (Pulling of Chariots): Starts at 4:00 PM – The moment millions await. Devotees from all walks of life join hands to pull the massive chariots of Lord Balabhadra (Taladhwaja), Devi Subhadra (Darpadalana), and Lord Jagannath (Nandighosa) along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) to the Gundicha Temple, approximately 3 kilometers away. This act of pulling the chariots is considered immensely meritorious, believed to cleanse one’s sins and grant liberation.
The deities will reside in the Gundicha Temple for nine days, where various rituals and festivities will be performed. The festival will culminate with the Bahuda Jatra (Return Journey) on July 4, 2025, when the deities return to the Srimandir, followed by Niladri Bije on July 5, 2025, marking their re-entry into the sanctum sanctorum.
Rath Jatra is not just a festival; it’s a living tradition, a vibrant tapestry of faith, history, and culture that continues to draw devotees from across the globe to the sacred land of Puri. It’s a testament to the enduring power of devotion and the universal appeal of Lord Jagannath.