Puri, Odisha – The sacred city of Puri is awash in vibrant colors and resounding chants as the Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced today, June 27, 2025. Lakhs of devotees have thronged the city, eager to participate in the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. The air is thick with devotion as the massive, intricately decorated wooden chariots begin their journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt's abode, where the deities will reside for a week.
The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, holds immense religious and cultural significance. The festival marks a symbolic journey of the deities, leaving their sanctum to bless devotees from all walks of life. The sheer scale of the event is breathtaking, with millions converging on Puri to witness and partake in the festivities.
Security has been significantly heightened in Puri to ensure a safe and orderly event. Around 10,000 security personnel have been deployed, transforming the pilgrim town into a fortress. Over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed across Puri and on the roads to Konark for comprehensive surveillance. National Security Guard (NSG) snipers have also taken positions on rooftops along the Grand Road in front of the temple. Anti-drone teams are actively monitoring the skies, ensuring no unauthorized aerial activity disrupts the celebrations.
The rituals surrounding the Rath Yatra are steeped in tradition and history. The three massive chariots are newly constructed each year, using specific types of wood sourced from designated trees. Skilled carpenters, who possess hereditary rights, meticulously craft the chariots according to ancient specifications. Before the Rath Yatra, the deities undergo a symbolic bathing ritual called Snana Purnima, where they are bathed with 108 pots of holy water. Following this, the deities are placed in isolation for about two weeks, a period known as Anasara.
Adding to the spiritual fervor, Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the Mangala Aarti at the historic Shri Temple in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad. He described the festival as a "unique confluence of faith and devotion". Other prominent figures, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extended their greetings to the nation on this auspicious occasion, praying for peace, happiness, and prosperity for all. Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Mjahi also conveyed their best wishes to the people of the state.
Devotees expressed profound joy and spiritual fulfillment at being part of the Rath Yatra. Pooja Anand, a devotee from Mumbai, described her experience as "out-of-this-world," stating, "This is one day of the year when the Lord comes out of his abode and blesses the 'jagat', the universe. Everyone should come here and seek blessings."
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not only celebrated in Puri but also across the globe, including major cities in the United States. Cities like Fremont, California, Jackson, Mississippi, Houston, Texas and many others are hosting Ratha Yatra events, featuring grand processions, cultural performances, and community feasts. This demonstrates the festival's universal appeal and its ability to foster a sense of unity and shared heritage among the Indian diaspora.
The nine-day festival will continue with various rituals and festivities, including Hera Panchami, where Goddess Lakshmi expresses her anger at Lord Jagannath for leaving her behind. The deities will remain at the Gundicha Temple for seven days before commencing their return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra. The festival will culminate with Niladri Bijay, when the deities are brought back to the Jagannath Temple. The Jagannath Rath Yatra remains a powerful testament to faith, tradition, and community spirit, drawing millions together in a celebration of divine grace and cultural heritage.
