Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most famous and grand religious pilgrimages of Hinduism, is organized every year on the second day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha. In this yatra held in Puri, Odisha, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra ride on grand chariots from Srimandir to Gundicha temple. Lakhs of devotees take part in this holy journey and have darshan of God.
When will Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 start?
According to the Panchang, in the year 2026, Jagannath Rath Yatra will be taken out on Thursday, July 16, 2026. This festival will be celebrated on Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya Tithi, which is considered to be the main day of the annual pilgrimage of Lord Jagannath.
How long will the Rath Yatra last?
Rath Yatra is not just a one day event but a sequence of many important rituals. After the main yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra remain seated in the Gundicha temple. After this his return journey, called Bahuda Yatra, is held in the last week of July. According to various published almanacs, Bahuda Yatra will take place around 23 to 24 July 2026.
key dates
Rath Yatra (Shri Gundicha Yatra): 16 July 2026 Hera Panchami: 20 July 2026 Bahuda Yatra (return journey): 23-24 July 2026 Sunabesha: 25 July 2026 Neeladri Bije: 27 July 2026
Religious importance of Rath Yatra
It is believed that during the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath himself comes among the devotees and gives them darshan. There is special significance of pulling the chariot on this day. Devotees believe that pulling the chariot of God brings virtue and removes the troubles of life.
Why is this journey special?
Puri’s Jagannath Rath Yatra is counted among the largest Rath Yatras in the world. Lord Jagannath’s chariot Nandighosh, Balabhadra’s chariot Taladhwaja and Goddess Subhadra’s chariot Darpadalan are pulled by thousands of devotees with ropes. It is considered a wonderful confluence of devotion, faith and cultural heritage.
