Every year, millions of devotees celebrate Rath Yatra, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals, with unmatched devotion and grandeur. Held in Puri, Odisha (India), the Rath Yatra honors Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.

This year, Rath Yatra 2025 will begin on Friday, June 27 and conclude on Monday, July 7, drawing global devotees—including thousands from the UAE, Nepal, Singapore, and beyond—to witness this powerful spiritual spectacle.

---

What is Rath Yatra?

The term "Rath Yatra" comes from Sanskrit:

• Rath = Chariot

• Yatra = Pilgrimage or procession

In Odisha, it’s also known as Jatra, and globally it’s referred to as the “Chariot Festival” or “Juggernaut Festival”—a term derived from the unstoppable momentum of Lord Jagannath’s mighty chariot rolling through the streets of Puri.

---

The Story Behind Rath Yatra

According to legend, Goddess Subhadra once expressed her wish to visit Puri city. Granting her request, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra took her on a grand journey from their temple to the Gundicha Temple—their aunt's home—riding massive wooden chariots built every year.

After a few days of rest, they return to the Jagannath Temple. This symbolic round-trip journey forms the basis of the 9-day Rath Yatra festival, rooted in scriptures and oral tradition dating back thousands of years.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, remains the spiritual heart of the celebration.

---

Rath Yatra 2025 Dates & Schedule

Dwitiya Tithi Timing:

• Begins: 1:24 PM on June 26, 2025

• Ends: 11:19 AM on June 27, 2025

---

The Three Divine Chariots

Each deity has their own richly decorated chariot, built from scratch every year:

These chariots are hand-pulled by thousands of devotees, who believe that pulling the ropes grants liberation from sins and earns divine blessings.

---

Rituals & Spiritual Symbolism

The Rath Yatra is full of vibrant rituals and deep spiritual meanings:

• Snana Purnima: Deities are bathed with 108 pots of water

• Anasara Period: Deities rest in seclusion, believed to be recovering

• Netrotsav: Ritual healing of their divine eyes

• Hera Panchami: Goddess Lakshmi symbolically confronts Lord Jagannath

• Bahuda Yatra: Return journey to Jagannath Temple

• Suna Besha: Deities are dressed in dazzling golden ornaments

• Niladri Bije: Re-entry into the temple—official conclusion of the festival

Each event signifies different stages of life, love, rest, confrontation, reconciliation, and ultimate reunion with the Divine.

---

Atmosphere in Puri During Rath Yatra

During Rath Yatra, Puri transforms into a city of celebration:

• Devotees chant “Jai Jagannath” as the air fills with devotion

• Streets are lined with rangolis, marigolds, incense smoke

• Stalls serve traditional Poda Pitha, Khichdi, and Mahaprasad

• Bhajan mandalis and dancers fill the roads with color and rhythm

It’s not just a festival—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

---

How to Travel to Jagannath Puri from the UAE

Planning a trip from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere in the UAE?

Best Travel Options:

• By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar). It’s 60 km from Puri. Direct flights available via Delhi or Mumbai.

• By Train: Take a train to Puri Railway Station from any major Indian city.

• By Road: Taxis and government buses operate regularly from Bhubaneswar.

💡 Tip: Book your flights and hotels at least 1–2 months in advance, as Puri gets fully booked during this period.

---

Spiritual Significance of Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra symbolizes life’s spiritual journey. Just as the devotees pull the chariot of the Lord, we are reminded to pull God into our hearts through love, service, and surrender.

Lord Jagannath, meaning “Lord of the Universe,” comes out of the temple to meet all beings—rich or poor, devotee or seeker—without discrimination.

This openness makes Rath Yatra a celebration of equality, love, and spiritual awakening.

---

Tips for First-Time Visitors from UAE

• ☀️ Weather: Odisha is humid in June–July; wear breathable clothes

• 🧴 Carry sunscreen, a water bottle, and cap/umbrella

• 📷 Carry a portable charger for your phone/camera

• 🙏 Respect local customs; avoid touching the deities or climbing chariots

• 📦 Buy and taste Mahaprasad—blessed food cooked inside the temple

---

Can’t Travel to Puri? Here’s How You Can Celebrate Rath Yatra from Home

If you're in the UAE or elsewhere and can't make it to Puri for Rath Yatra 2025, don’t worry — the Lord comes to you, wherever you are. Here’s how you can celebrate from home with full devotion:

1. Watch the Live Rath Yatra Broadcast

• Stream the Puri Rath Yatra live on Indian news channels or YouTube (search “Jagannath Rath Yatra Live 2025”)

• Organize a family viewing with chants and bhajans playing in the background

2. Perform a Simple Pooja at Home

• Set up a clean space with a photo or idol of Lord Jagannath

• Offer fruits, flowers, incense, and prasad

• Chant mantras like “Jai Jagannath” or recite Jagannath Ashtakam

🛍️ Divine Sansar offers all pooja essentials — perfect for home celebrations in the UAE.

3. Sing Bhajans or Listen to Devotional Songs

• Play traditional Jagannath bhajans and Odia folk tunes

• Sing with your family or join virtual satsangs

4. Prepare Mahaprasad-Inspired Meals

Try making simple dishes like:

• Khichdi

• Poda Pitha (sweet cake)

• Cut fruits & dry fruits

5. Involve Kids & Community

• Teach kids the story of Lord Jagannath

• Share prasad or sweets with friends and neighbors

• Decorate your entrance with rangoli or flowers

Rath Yatra FAQs

Q: Can non-Hindus attend the Rath Yatra?
A: Yes, the Rath Yatra procession is open to people of all backgrounds and faiths.

Q: Are there online/live-streaming options?
A: Yes, many Indian TV channels and official temple social media pages provide live coverage.

Q: What is the best place to stay in Puri?
A: Book hotels near Sea Beach Road or Grand Road for easy access to the chariot route.

---

Conclusion: A Journey of Devotion

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is not just a festival—it’s a journey of the soul, a celebration of universal love, and a timeless connection between the divine and the devotee.

Mark your calendar: June 27 to July 7, 2025
Whether you're watching from the streets of Puri or from your home in Dubai, the spiritual power of Rath Yatra is boundless.

Come, be a part of this divine journey.
Jai Jagannath! 

---

📣 Share Your Journey

Are you attending the Rath Yatra this year?
Tag us on Instagram @DivineSansar and use #RathYatra2025 #DivineSansar to be featured!