Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: How the Grand Festival is Being Celebrated in Puri

A huge crowd of devotees has gathered in Puri, Odisha, for the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra, also called the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra. The Rath Yatra starts on Friday and is one of the biggest Hindu festivals in India.

This sacred festival happens every year on Dwitiya Tithi, the second day of the bright half of the lunar month, which is considered a holy time in Hinduism.

What is Jagannath Rath Yatra?

The Rath Yatra celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, as they travel from their home in the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 kilometers away.

People believe that seeing Lord Jagannath during this Yatra brings moksha, or freedom from the cycle of life and death. According to scholar Suryanarayan Rath Sharma, this is the oldest chariot festival in the world.

Chariots and Procession

The three gods are placed in giant, beautifully decorated wooden chariots:

• Nandighosh for Lord Jagannath

• Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra

• Darpadalan for Goddess Subhadra

Millions of devotees come together to pull these chariots with ropes. They do this with great love and joy, believing it brings them closer to God. The journey to Gundicha Temple is full of music, chants, and celebration. Some legends even say Gundicha Temple is the birthplace of the deities.

Government Arrangements and Security

To make sure the event goes smoothly, the Odisha government has made detailed arrangements. Puri Collector Sidharth Shankar Swain said, “We are ready for this grand event. All the rituals and safety plans are in place. I pray to Lord Jagannath and request everyone’s support for a peaceful and successful Yatra.”

For safety, Puri has been put under a five-layer security system. Here are some key arrangements:

• 200 police platoons and 8 companies from special forces like BSF and CRPF are on duty.

• Around 10,000 security personnel including state police, home guards, and central forces are posted in and around Puri.

• For the first time, a special command-and-control center is watching over the city using 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras. These cameras track traffic and crowd movement from Uttara Square to Konark.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri is not just a festival—it's a divine experience filled with devotion, tradition, and joy. With millions of people, vibrant chariots, sacred chants, and strong security, this year’s celebration is expected to be grand and peaceful.