Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Timings, Rituals & ISKCON Celebrations
Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur, especially in Puri, Odisha. In 2025, this divine celebration will begin on Friday, June 27, attracting millions of devotees from all over the world. Let’s take a look at the full schedule, timings, and how ISKCON will celebrate this sacred occasion.
đź“… Rath Yatra 2025 Date and Auspicious Timings
The main Rath Yatra event will be held on June 27, 2025. It falls on the Dwitiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the month of Ashadha.
According to Drik Panchang:
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Dwitiya Tithi Begins: June 26, 2025 at 1:24 PM
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Dwitiya Tithi Ends: June 27, 2025 at 11:19 AM
This tithi is considered extremely holy due to the spiritual significance of the waxing moon and is perfect for conducting sacred rituals and festivals.
🛕 Nine-Day Rath Yatra 2025 Schedule
Here is the full festival calendar for this year’s Rath Yatra:
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Anavasara: June 13 – June 26
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Gundicha Marjana (Temple Cleaning Ritual): June 26
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Rath Yatra (Main Event): June 27
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Hera Panchami: July 1
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Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): July 4
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Suna Besha (Golden Attire of Deities): July 5
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Niladri Bijay (Conclusion of Yatra): July 5
The nine-day celebration starts with the grand Rath Yatra and concludes with Niladri Bijay, symbolizing the deities’ return to their sanctum and the spiritual completion of their journey.
đźš© Significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra
Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than just a procession — it’s a powerful symbol of devotion, equality, and unity. It marks the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, covering around 3 km.
There are two popular legends behind the festival:
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One believes it celebrates Lord Krishna’s visit to his maternal aunt’s house.
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The other links it to King Indradyumna, who was responsible for building the first Jagannath temple.
Historically, the yatra gained widespread popularity during the reign of the Gajapati dynasty in Odisha and remains a massive cultural event to this day.
🕉️ Main Rituals and Traditions
Rath Yatra is packed with unique rituals that add to its divine atmosphere:
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Rath Snana: A ceremonial bathing ritual where 108 pots of holy water are used to purify the idols.
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Rath Pratistha: Priests sanctify the newly built wooden chariots with sacred mantras.
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Rath Yatra: Lakhs of devotees pull the massive chariots of the deities to the Gundicha Temple with chants, music, and dance.
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Bahuda Yatra: The deities return to the Jagannath Temple.
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Suna Besha: The deities are dressed in gold ornaments and displayed for darshan.
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Niladri Vijaya: The final ritual when the deities re-enter their temple and the chariots are taken apart, symbolizing the end of the sacred journey.
🌍 ISKCON Rath Yatra 2025 Details
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will celebrate its Rath Yatra in Prayagraj on Sunday, June 29, 2025. While not aligned with the traditional Dwitiya Tithi, ISKCON has chosen a weekend date to ensure maximum participation.
Here’s the route and schedule:
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Start Time: 4:00 PM
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Starting Point: Hira Halwai Crossing
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Route: Through Subhash Chauraha and Hanuman Mandir
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Ending Point: KP Ground
According to Achyuta Mohan Das, ISKCON Prayagraj’s temple president, the decision to hold the Yatra on a Sunday was made to allow more devotees to witness the divine chariot procession and receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
🙏 Why You Should Attend Rath Yatra
Whether you’re in Puri or any part of the world where Rath Yatra is being celebrated, being a part of this grand festival is a spiritually enriching experience. The pulling of the chariot itself is seen as an act of devotion that can wash away sins and bring divine blessings.
📸 Final Thoughts
Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a religious event; it’s a celebration of devotion, history, and cultural unity. The chants of "Jai Jagannath!" fill the air as people from all walks of life come together, pulling the chariot with faith and joy.
If you can’t travel to Puri this year, consider joining an ISKCON Rath Yatra in your city — the experience will be just as powerful.
Reference from:- https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/festivals/when-is-rath-yatra-2025-date-timings-iskcon-s-celebration-details-and-full-schedule-of-lord-jagannath-s-festival-101750847211345.html