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India Today
10 hours ago
- General
- India Today
Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, schedule and all you need to know
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, one of India's most revered festivals, is scheduled to commence on June 27, 2025, in Puri, Odisha. This annual event, also known as the Festival of Chariots, celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The festival attracts millions of devotees from around the world, eager to partake in its rich traditions and spiritual DATES AND RITUALSAkshaya Tritiya (April 30, 2025): Marks the beginning of the festival preparations, including the commencement of chariot Purnima (June 11, 2025): The deities are bathed in 108 pots of holy water in a grand ceremony known as the 'Snana Yatra.' Anavasara (June 13–26, 2025): Following the Snana Purnima, the deities are believed to fall ill and rest in isolation for 15 days, during which they are not available for public Marjana (June 26, 2025): The Gundicha Temple is thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the arrival of the Yatra (June 27, 2025): The main event where the deities are placed on their respective chariots and pulled to the Gundicha Temple by thousands of Panchami (July 1, 2025): A ritual that marks Goddess Lakshmi's visit to the Gundicha Temple in search of Lord Darshan (July 3, 2025): An auspicious evening viewing of the deities at the Gundicha Yatra (July 5, 2025): The return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Besha (July 6, 2025): The deities are adorned with gold ornaments in a grand Pana (July 7, 2025): A sweet drink is offered to the deities on their Bijay (July 8, 2025): Marks the deities' return to the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple, concluding the DETAILSEach deity has a dedicated chariot, constructed anew each year from specific types of wood:Nandighosha: Lord Jagannath's chariot, featuring 16 wheels and standing approximately 44.2 feet Lord Balabhadra's chariot, with 14 wheels and a height of about 43.3 Goddess Subhadra's chariot, comprising 12 wheels and reaching a height of 42.3 chariots are ornately decorated and are pulled by devotees through the streets of Puri, symbolising the communal devotion and unity amongst Ratha Yatra is not only a religious event but also a cultural spectacle that embodies themes of devotion, equality, and community. It offers devotees a rare opportunity to have a direct glimpse of the deities, as they are traditionally housed within the temple and not visible to the in the chariot pulling is considered highly auspicious, believed to bring spiritual merit and those planning to attend, it's advisable to arrange accommodations well in advance due to the large influx of festival's vibrant atmosphere, combined with its deep spiritual roots, makes the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra a truly transformative experience for all who partake.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Odisha govt plans to trademark dham, shree mandira, other words associated with Puri Jagannath Temple
The Mohan Charan Majhi-led Odisha govt has decided to secure trademark rights for several words and phrases associated with Jagannath Temple in Puri, according to a TOI report. The decision comes in the wake of a recent controversy over the naming of a newly built temple in Bengal's Digha as 'Jagannath dham'. "The terms sought to be shielded include 'Jagannath dham', 'shree mandira', 'Purushottam kshetra', 'neelachal dham', 'bada danda', 'mahaprasad' and 'neela chakra'," reported TOI quoting Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo What are experts and scholars saying? The final list of words is being finalised. Once we get the trademark rights, their unauthorised use will be considered a violation and invite legal action. These terms are deeply rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and are intrinsically linked to culture and traditions involving Jagannath, Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of SJTA, said. The Odisha government is currently gathering necessary documents and historical evidence to support its claims. SJTA further said that it would soon move the department for promotion of industry and internal trade under Union ministry of commerce and industry, which oversees the application process, according to the TOI report. Live Events Officials maintained that the absence of any existing trademark rights for these terms has limited their ability to legally challenge use of the name 'Jagannath dham' by Digha temple authorities. State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan added, "Our Chief Minister has already written a letter to his West Bengal counterpart. As that letter remains unanswered, the state is considering legal action." The SJTMC also discussed preparations for the upcoming annual Rath Yatra, scheduled for June 27. Padhee said, "The SJTMC has decided to form a 'Pahandi Dala' (idol procession team) for each chariot during the Rath Yatra, with the number of servitors to be finalised by the SJTA, Puri Collector, Chhatisa Nijog (servitors' body), and other stakeholders in a future meeting." The committee also reached a consensus on ensuring smooth arrangements for the Rath Yatra and related rituals. Detailed discussions were held on the Snana Yatra (bathing ritual), Ghosa Yatra (chariot procession), and Bahuda Yatra (return chariot festival). Special focus will be placed on the smooth Pahandi (procession) of the idols onto the chariots and their return to the temples. Responding to another query, Padhee said non-servitors would be strictly prohibited from accessing the chariots. "Strong action will be taken against violators," he said, adding that carrying mobile phones on the chariots would also be banned. "This will amount to criminal charges," he warned. Padhee further said that the committee discussed additional issues such as the relocation of the Hundi (donation box) from inside the temple, and the imposition of restrictions on the height of buildings around the Shree Mandir and Gundicha Temple to prevent disruptions to rituals. "The Urban Development Department will be informed, and a formal request will be made to the government to enforce this restriction," he said. The meeting also discussed on the safety of the Ratna Bhandar (temple treasury) and the protection and proper management of the landed properties of Lord Jagannath.
Hans India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Move to patent terms linked to Puri temple
Puri: In the light of the ongoing dispute with West Bengal over the naming of the Digha temple as a 'Dham,' the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) on Monday decided to patent certain words and logos associated with the 12th-century shrine in Odisha. A proposal to this effect was approved at the SJTMC meeting chaired by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Dibyasingha Deb, and attended by ex officio members including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, Puri SP Vinit Agarwal and others. 'The SJTA will soon apply to patent terms like Mahaprasad (bhog), Srimandir (temple), Shree Jagannath Dham (place), Shreekshetra (place) and Purushottam Dham (place), among others. A proposal in this regard has been approved by the SJTMC,' said Arabinda Padhee, an IAS officer, while addressing reporters. Padhee said patenting specific words and logos related to the Jagannath Temple would serve as a legal instrument to protect the cultural, religious and spiritual identity of the Puri temple. 'This will help prevent misuse of the 12th century's original spiritual identity and unauthorised use of its sacred terminology,' he added. Regarding the ongoing row with the West Bengal government over the alleged misuse of the term Jagannath Dham, Padhee said the matter would be addressed by the State governments. Deb said, 'The West Bengal government cannot use the term 'Jagannath Dham' for their temple at Digha. This is against Hindu scriptures and the age-old tradition of Lord Jagannath.' Replying to a query, the Gajapati Maharaja asserted that the issue should be resolved amicably between the two State governments, as the Digha temple is a project developed by the West Bengal government. 'It is better to settle the matter through dialogue instead of seeking legal shelter,' Deb said. State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said, 'Our Chief Minister has already written a letter to his West Bengal counterpart. As that letter remains unanswered, the State is considering legal action.' The SJTMC also discussed preparations for the upcoming annual Rath Yatra, scheduled for June 27. Padhee said, 'The SJTMC has decided to form a 'Pahandi Dala' (idol procession team) for each chariot during the Rath Yatra, with the number of servitors to be finalised by the SJTA, Puri Collector, Chhatisa Nijog (servitors' body) and other stakeholders in a future meeting.' The committee also reached a consensus on ensuring smooth arrangements for the Rath Yatra and related rituals. Detailed discussions were held on the Snana Yatra (bathing ritual), Ghosa Yatra (chariot procession) and Bahuda Yatra (return chariot festival). Special focus will be placed on the smooth Pahandi (procession) of the idols onto the chariots and their return to the temples. Responding to another query, Padhee said non-servitors would be strictly prohibited from accessing the chariots. 'Strong action will be taken against violators,' he said, adding that carrying mobile phones on the chariots would also be banned. 'This will amount to criminal charges,' he warned. Padhee further said the committee discussed additional issues such as the relocation of the Hundi (donation box) from inside the temple, and the imposition of restrictions on the height of buildings around the Shree Mandir and Gundicha Temple to prevent disruptions to rituals. 'The Urban Development department will be informed, and a formal request will be made to the government to enforce this restriction,' he said. The meeting also discussed on the safety of the Ratna Bhandar (temple treasury) and the protection and proper management of the landed properties of Lord Jagannath.
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Untimely Ratha Yatra celebrations: Sudarsan Pattnaik writes to Odisha CM seeking intervention
Bhubaneswar: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik on Friday wrote to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging the state government to take steps towards standardising the dates of the Ratha Yatra celebrated globally, and to intervene in the continued use of the term "Jagannath Dham" for the newly constructed Digha Jagannath Temple in West Bengal. In his letter, Pattnaik expressed concern over the growing practice of organizations, particularly the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), conducting Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra celebrations abroad on dates different from those followed by Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. 'While we truly appreciate their devotion and enthusiasm, I humbly appeal to you to kindly take appropriate steps to encourage these organisations to observe these sacred festivals in alignment with the traditional dates as per the Puri Jagannath Temple calendar,' urged Pattnaik in his letter. He further noted that although the temple administration had raised the issue with these groups earlier, the variations still persist. "Ratha Yatra is not merely a festival; it is a profound spiritual tradition and a vital symbol of our cultural identity. Celebrating it on a unified date across the world will strengthen the spiritual bond among Jagannath devotees and uphold the sanctity of this divine occasion," Pattnaik wrote. The sand artist also welcomed the Odisha CM's earlier outreach to his West Bengal counterpart regarding the naming of a project in Digha as "Jagannath Dham". However, as the name had not yet been changed, he requested further intervention to protect the cultural and religious sanctity associated with Lord Jagannath. Thanking the Chief Minister for his efforts in promoting Odisha's rich heritage, Pattnaik concluded his letter with a humble appeal to safeguard Mahaprabhu Jagannath's legacy both within and beyond the borders of the state. It is worth noting that ISKCON has recently courted controversy with the announcement to organize Rath Yatra programmes in London on different dates.
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Ahead of Rath Yatra, DGP reviews security
Puri: Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, DGP Y B Khurania on Monday reviewed security arrangements here and rolled out a riot-control vehicle 'Vajra' for the protection of the Shree Jagannath Temple in the coastal town, officials said. He inspected the 'Vajra' near the temple here before the vehicle was deployed for the protection of the 12th-century shrine. The DGP reviewed the security preparedness for the Rath Yatra to be held on June 27, and also in the wake of the current situation along the India-Pakistan border. 'I reviewed security arrangements in Puri for the Rath Yatra. Senior officials from the police headquarters attended the meeting, and there was a detailed discussion on security. The police arrangement for the festival is almost in the final stage. Attention is given on the security inside the temple and outside of the shrine,' Khurania told reporters. He also said the police officials discussed on crowd control, traffic management and other aspects. During a visit to the shrine, the DGP assessed the readiness of police and security personnel stationed near the temple to prevent potential threats and ensure the safety of pilgrims. Taking to X, the Odisha Police said, 'DGP Shri Yogesh Bahadur Khurania held detailed discussions with senior officers regarding the smooth management of the upcoming Snana Yatra and the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri, crowd control, smooth management of traffic system, movement of dignitaries and orderly 'darshan' and safe chariot pulling, etc.' Khurania also reviewed the engagement of modern security infrastructure, CCTV monitoring, rapid response units and coordination with local authorities. 'The DGP oversaw the crowd control measures, traffic management, vehicle parking and actions to be taken in an emergency during the Rath Yatra,' a senior official said, adding that the festival will be held for about a fortnight in the last week of June. The DGP has asked the authorities concerned not to lower the existing guards and maintain security protocols even though India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea. Heavy deployment of security personnel in and around the Puri temple has been noticed since the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor to retaliate against the Pahalgam terror attack. At least eight platoons of personnel were deployed in and around the temple, the officials said. The force deployment would be strengthened as the Rath Yatra festival approaches. Earlier this month, a team of National Security Guard (NSG) commandos conducted a routine security review. The DGP also reviewed the measures taken at four marine police stations located in Puri district, deployment of lifeguards on the beach and the outreach programme for the fishing community, the officials added.
