Latest news with #PuriJagannathRathYatra
News18
6 hours ago
- News18
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date: Rituals, Timings, Wishes, And Places To Visit In Puri
Last Updated: Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: The grand Rath Yatra procession, featuring Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on their chariots, will take place on June 27, 2025. Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Puri Yatra or the 'Festival of Chariots', is one of the most important and grand festivals in India. Held every year in Puri, Odisha, the event is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The festival is celebrated on the second day (Dwitiya Tithi) of the bright half of the Asadh month in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in June or July according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival began on June 12 this year, with Snana Purnima, a ritual where the deities are bathed in a grand ceremony. After this, the idols go into a rest phase known as Anavasara, which lasts from June 13 to June 26. During this time, the deities are not seen by the public, as they are believed to be recovering from the sacred bath. As per Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi begins on June 26 this year at 1:24 PM and ends on June 27 at 11:19 AM. That's why the main Rath Yatra, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in grand chariots, will take place on June 27, 2025. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: History and Significance The Jagannath Rath Yatra dates back to somewhere between the 12th and 16th centuries, with many stories about how it began. Some believe it represents Lord Krishna visiting his mother's birthplace, while others say it was started by King Indradyumna, who began the rituals. Historically, the festival became more popular during the rule of the Gajapati kings of Odisha. Over time, the celebration has grown, but its main purpose has stayed the same—honouring tradition and showing the deep faith of millions. It also reflects the rich culture of Odisha. At the heart of the festival is the journey of three deities: Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. They are believed to leave the Jagannath Temple in Puri and travel about 3 kilometers to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt's home, for a nine-day stay. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Rituals The Jagannath Rath Yatra is marked by a series of meaningful rituals, each filled with deep cultural and spiritual significance. The celebrations begin with Rath Snana, a special bathing ceremony held a day before the main procession. During this ritual, 108 pots filled with scented water and other sacred items are used to cleanse the deities, preparing them for their journey. Next comes Rath Pratistha, where the newly built chariots are blessed by priests through sacred chants, making them ready to carry the deities. The highlight of the festival is the Rath Yatra, the grand chariot procession. Thousands of devotees gather in the streets, singing and pulling the giant chariots as they carry Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for nine days, giving people a chance to receive their blessings. After the stay, the Bahuda Yatra marks the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple, with the same joyful and devotional spirit. The festival ends with Niladri Vijaya, during which the chariots are taken apart, symbolising the completion of the journey and the promise of it happening again the next year. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: 5 Sacred Places to Visit in Puri Every year, the Rath Yatra in Puri attracts thousands of devotees from India and around the world. While the grand chariot procession of Lord Jagannath is the main highlight, the city is home to several other important spiritual sites worth visiting during your trip. Here are five must-visit places: Sri Jagannath Temple: This 12th-century temple is the heart of Puri and the centre of the Rath Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, it's known for its towering spire, daily rituals, and massive kitchen that serves thousands of pilgrims. Gundicha Temple: Located about 3 km from the Jagannath Temple, Gundicha is where the deities stay during the Rath Yatra. Known as Lord Jagannath's Garden House, it becomes the Lord's home for seven days during the festival. Markandeshwar Temple: Near the Jagannath Temple, this shrine is linked to Sage Markandeya. A nearby holy tank is considered spiritually cleansing, making it a peaceful stop for prayer and reflection. Loknath Temple: This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known for its hidden Shiva Lingam, which stays submerged and is seen only once a year. It's believed that Lord Jagannath visits this temple secretly before the Yatra begins. Alarnath Temple: Located in Brahmagiri, about 25 km from Puri, this temple becomes important during the Anavasara period, when Lord Jagannath is not available for public viewing. Devotees come here to worship Lord Vishnu in the form of Alarnath during that time. Jagannath Rath Yatra Wishes May Lord Jagannath bless you with peace, prosperity, and endless joy this Rath Yatra. Jai Jagannath! On this sacred journey of Rath Yatra, may your life be filled with devotion, love, and divine blessings. Wishing you and your family a blessed and blissful Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025. May the chariots of faith guide your path! Let the divine energy of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra remove all obstacles and bring new hope into your life. Celebrate the spiritual grandeur of Rath Yatra with devotion in your heart and grace in your soul. Happy Puri Rath Yatra 2025! Location : Puri, India, India First Published: June 26, 2025, 08:35 IST News lifestyle Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date: Rituals, Timings, Wishes, And Places To Visit In Puri
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
ISKCON's Jagannath Rath Yatra in Vijayawada on Friday
: Devotees and residents of Vijayawada are in for a spiritual treat as the ISKCON Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir is set to host South India's largest Rath Yatra Mahotsavam beginning June 27. The three-day spiritual extravaganza will commence at 1 p.m. at Sitara grounds, Bhavanipuram, and will feature grand processions, cultural performances, and devotional festivities. ISKCON has extended an invitation to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to inaugurate the Rath Yatra, which will see participation from thousands of devotees from across the State and abroad, said ISCKON Mandir president Chakradharidas. At a press conference here on Thursday, he said that the festival will feature a majestic chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra Devi, accompanied by 'harinaam sankirtan' by ISKCON devotees from countries like Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Brazil, U.S.A., Kazakhstan, and Italy. A highlight of the celebrations will be the darshan of the deities in a specially constructed Gundicha Mandir, designed by the globally renowned Bengal decorators, he said. He urged devotees to participate in the celebrations and experience the divine atmosphere similar to the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. Procession by women Adding a historical dimension, this year's event will feature a first-of-its-kind 'Sumangali Subhadra' procession on June 29, where over 1,000 women entrepreneurs from Vijayawada and Guntur districts will offer 'sare' (traditional gifts) to Goddess Subhadra while arriving in decorated bullock carts. The organisers claim it to be the first sare-offering ceremony in a Rath Yatra in India. The Rath Yatra will proceed from Sitara Grounds through Swathi Theatre Road, Kanaka Durga Temple road, Ratham Centre, and conclude at Seethammavari Padalu, where a sprawling Mela will take place across 3.5 acres. Over 1.5 lakh devotees are expected to receive free prasadam during the three-day event, alongside daily offerings of 108 varieties of 'Naivedyam' to Lord Jagannath. Spiritual discourses, kirtans, and 'Harinaam Kathamrut' sessions will enrich the religious atmosphere every evening. Laila Group chairman Gokaraju Ganga Raju, Sintex Industries head Sudhakar Chowdary, and others were present.
