New Delhi: Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most awaited festivals in India among Hindus. The day celebrates the divine journey of Lord Jagannath (a major Hindu deity worshipped as the “Lord of the Universe”), his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from the main temple to their aunt’s home, the Gundicha Temple. The procession symbolises the Lord’s boundless compassion, bringing the divine out of the inner sanctum to bless all people, especially those unable to visit the temple. Devotees on this day visit temples, do pooja, and offer prasad to seek the Lord and Goddess’ blessings. However, many devotees are confused about whether the day is going to be observed on July 15 or July 16. Well, for that, you have slid to the right page.
When is Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2026?
In 2026, the date of the Jagannath Ratra Yatra falls on July 16 (Thursday). The festival falls on Aashaadha Shukla Dwitiya and marks the beginning of Lord Jagannath’s annual journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The celebration continues for several days before the deities return to the main temple.
What is the significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the monumental events celebrated among the Hindus in India, where Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, leave their temple to travel in grand chariots. For devotees, it symbolises the ultimate divine compassion, God stepping out of his inner sanctum to bless everyone, regardless of caste, class, or religion.
What is the auspicious time to attend Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri?
The primary procession for the Jagannath Rath Yatra begins on July 16, 2026. The most auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) to witness the chariot pulling is between 5:33 AM and 12:00 PM. The grand event takes place along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) as the deities journey to the Gundicha Temple.
Jagannath Rath Yatra: Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi at home
Step 1: Clean your puja space and set up a wooden chowki covered with a yellow or red cloth.Â
Step 2: Instead of bathing the wooden idols directly, sprinkle Gangajal and water on them using a flower to symbolise purification.
Step 3: Dress the deities in fresh clothes. Apply sandalwood paste (white for Jagannath and Balabhadra, yellow for Subhadra) and kumkum to their foreheads. Offer fresh garlands.
Step 4: Light your ghee lamp and incense sticks. Move them in a clockwise circle in front of the deities.
Step 5: Focus on the deities and chant the primary mantra: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Jai Jagannath” 108 times.
Step 6: Light a bit of camphor in your aarti thali and perform the aarti clockwise (4 times at the feet, 2 times at the belly, 3 times at the head, and 7 times over the whole body). Ring a bell or blow a conch.
Step 7: Place your prepared sweets, fruits, and Panchamrit in front of the deities and offer them with devotion.
Disclaimer: The article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to check the latest updates on the official websites.
