The sacred city of Puri reverberated with divine chants and spiritual fervour as millions of devotees gathered to witness the grand Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannath, marking one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The revered sibling deities Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra embarked on their annual journey from the 12th-century Srimandir to the Gundicha Temple, rolling majestically on elaborately decorated wooden chariots down the Bada Danda (Grand Road).
The rituals commenced with the ‘Pahandi’ procession in the morning, wherein the deities were ceremonially brought to their respective chariots. This year’s procession began around 11:00 AM, delayed by approximately two hours from the scheduled time. The sequence started with Bhagwan Sudarshan, who was placed on Devi Subhadra’s chariot, Darpadalana, followed by the arrival of Bhagwan Balabhadra and Bhagwan Jagannath on Taladhwaja and Nandighosa, respectively. Sunya Pahandi, a unique ritual for Devi Subhadra, was also performed.
Following traditional protocol, Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, accompanied by his disciples, offered prayers atop the chariots. Soon after, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb performed the sacred ‘Chhera Pahanra’ (sweeping of the chariots), paving the way for the commencement of the chariot pulling.
At around 4:10 PM, thousands of enthusiastic devotees began pulling the chariots amid chants of “Jai Jagannath” and “Haribol”, with devotional music, Odissi performances, and religious kirtans energizing the spiritual atmosphere. The massive Taladhwaja chariot of Bhagwan Balabhadra led the Yatra , followed by Darpadalana.
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय!
श्रद्धालुओं की श्रद्धा और भक्ति की डोर से बंधे जगत के स्वामी, महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ की रथयात्रा का अदभुत दृश्य। #रथयात्रा #RathYatra #RathYatra2025 pic.twitter.com/lUq7tu9wHf
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) June 27, 2025
However, the chariot pulling was unexpectedly halted in the evening, with the Nandighosa chariot of Bhagwan Jagannath starting late at 7:45 PM before coming to a stop shortly after. According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the pulling was suspended due to delays and congestion, and will resume tomorrow morning.
The Taladhwaja chariot was halted at Balgandi Chhak, and Darpadalana stopped near Marichikot Police Station. Officials attributed the delay to the heavy turnout of devotees and the time-intensive process of guiding the enormous wooden chariots through the narrow road.
“All rituals were performed smoothly and as per schedule. The chariot pulling started on time, but due to an overwhelming number of participants and logistical constraints, we had to pause the procession for the day. It will continue tomorrow, giving devotees another opportunity to participate,” said Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
Among the lakhs of devotees present were Odisha Governor Prof. Hari Babu Kumbampati , Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and several dignitaries from across the nation and abroad.
निज स्वार्थ से परे, लोककल्याण की भावना ही सनातन धर्म की आत्मा है और यही भावना आज पुरी की पवित्र रथयात्रा में फिर प्रकट हुई।
रथयात्रा के दौरान @RSSorg के स्वयंसेवकों ने एम्बुलेंस के लिए एक विशेष ‘सेवा-पथ’ बनाया है। यह अद्वितीय पहल सुनिश्चित करती है कि किसी भी अस्वस्थ श्रद्धालु को… pic.twitter.com/R6YOshTTKP
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) June 27, 2025
To ensure safety and smooth execution of the event, the state government deployed 200 platoons of police (approximately 10,000 personnel) and senior officers across Puri.
As per the festival schedule:
• Bahuda Yatra (Return Rath Yatra ) will take place on July 5.
• Suna Besha (Golden Attire) will be observed on July 6.
• Adhara Pana ritual will be performed on July 7.
• The deities will return to the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir during Niladri Bije on July 8.
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