The grand Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 begins today, Friday, June 27 in Puri, Odisha. Lack of devotees gathered for the annual chariot festival, one of Hinduism’s most significant events. The festival started with a vibrant cultural performance outside the Jagannath Temple. Over one lakh pilgrims had arrived by Thursday evening with a number expected to rise by 15% from last year. Authorities have made extensive preparations, including a designated Parking zone, and security with NDRF, RAF, and Odisha police personnel across the city.
#WATCH | Odisha | Sea of devotees gather outside the Shri Jagannath Temple to witness the world-famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings in Puri pic.twitter.com/6UU5EgOz9i
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2025
Why is Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrated?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated as Mark Lord Jagannath’s annual journey from the main Jagannath Temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be his aunt’s home. The symbolism was it takes place every year on the second day of the vaccine moment in the Hindu month of Asadh. During the yatra temple priest, brings out the idol of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balbhadra, and sister Subhadra from the sanctum. The deities are placed on huge, specially made wooden chariots thousands of devotees, pull these chariots through the streets of Puri in a grand procession.
The festival shows the strongest among the gods and their virtues. It also sends a powerful message of equality as people from all backgrounds, cast, and communities come together to participate. This public procession allows even those who cannot enter the temple to see and worship the deities. For many, it is a deeply emotional and spiritual experience.
Jagannath Rath Yatra Grand celebrations across cities
This year Rath Yatra is being held with tight security. Over 10,000 security personnel, including eight units from the central armed police forces, are on duty. Authorities have installed over 275 smart CCTV cameras in Puri and on the way to Konark to keep an eye on the crowd. Special teams are also monitoring the skies to stop any illegal drone activity. In Ahmedabad, the Gujarati minister Bhupendra Patel offered a flag to begin the Local Rath Yatra. PM Modi, President Murmu, and Amit Shah wished the people as the Jagannath Rath Yatra began in Puri. For the first time, Lord Jagannath was honored with a deity in the city. The festival will continue with full devotion across the country.
ପବିତ୍ର ରଥଯାତ୍ରା ଉପଲକ୍ଷେ ହାର୍ଦ୍ଦିକ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା ।
ଜୟ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ! pic.twitter.com/TBLqIgV8kH
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 27, 2025
