Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Key Dates, Rituals, and Significance

Speedy Summary

• Event Overview: The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, the worldS largest chariot festival, commenced on June 11 wiht Snana Purnima in Puri, Odisha.
• Start of Rath Yatra: officially starts on June 27 and ends on July 5. It involves pulling three grand wooden chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to Gundicha Temple and back during Bahuda Yatra.
• Notable rituals & Customs:

– snana Purnima marks the ceremonial bathing of the deities.
– Anavasara (June 13-26) sees deities retreat into seclusion before cleansing rituals at Gundicha Temple (Gundicha Marjana) begin on June 26.
– Suna Besha and Niladri Bijay conclude festivities upon their return to Jagannath Temple.
– Chera Pahara showcases a symbolic act of humility by the Gajapati King sweeping chariot grounds with a gold broom.

• Chariots’ Details: Three hand-crafted wooden chariots-Nandighosha (16 wheels), Taladhwaja (14 wheels), Darpadalana (12 wheels)-feature intricate designs constructed from specific wood types over months. Each uses over 600-800 pieces of wood and includes elaborate canopies requiring extensive clothwork.
• Meaning: Promotes unity, equality, accessibility for devotees across social strata. Pilgrims are encouraged to plan travel due to large crowds expected.

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