Come late June or early July, streets in Odisha—and across parts of India and the world—come alive with chants, drums, and devotion. Rath Yatra, the grand Festival of Chariots, is more than just a religious celebration. It is an epic confluence of mythology, architecture, devotion, and tradition. As we approach Rath Yatra 2025, here’s a collection of intriguing facts you might not know about one of India’s oldest and most iconic festivals.
1.The Rath Yatra Predates Many Modern Religions
Did you know that the Jagannath Rath Yatra of Puri is believed to be over 2,000 years old? References to the deity Jagannath appear in the ancient Puranas, and early Greek travellers wrote about a grand procession of a deity being taken out of a temple—most likely referring to Lord Jagannath.
2. Three Deities, Three Chariots—And No Repeats!
Each year, new chariots are constructed from scratch using wood from specific trees. The three chariots are:
- Nandighosha (for Lord Jagannath) – 18 wheels
- Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra) – 16 wheels
- Darpadalana (for Devi Subhadra) – 14 wheels
No nails are used—only wooden pegs and natural materials. Every chariot has a distinct colour, height, and flag.
3. The Deities “Fall Ill” Before the Yatra
About 15 days before the Rath Yatra, the deities are believed to “fall ill” after bathing with 108 pots of scented water during the Snana Purnima ritual. This is followed by a period called Anasara, when the idols are kept in isolation and not visible to the public. The Rath Yatra marks their grand reappearance.
4. Even the King Sweeps the Way
The Gajapati Maharaja of Puri—one of the oldest royal lineages in India—performs the Chhera Pahanra ritual. Armed with a golden broom, he sweeps the chariots before they are pulled, symbolizing that before Lord Jagannath, all are equal.
5. Rath Yatra Has Gone Global
From New York’s Fifth Avenue to the streets of London, Moscow, Nairobi, and Melbourne, Rath Yatra is now celebrated globally, largely thanks to the ISKCON movement, which popularized the festival among international devotees.
6. Jagannath Is Not a Typical Idol
Lord Jagannath’s idol is famously non-anthropomorphic—with large round eyes and a flat face, often interpreted as a symbolic, universal form. The deities are also made of wood and are ritually replaced every 12 to 19 years in a secretive ceremony called Nabakalebara.
7. Puri Is Just the Beginning
While Puri hosts the most famous Rath Yatra, the festival is celebrated across India—in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Digha, Mumbai, and even tribal belts of Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. Each has its own version of the chariot festival, rooted in regional traditions.
8. The Journey Has Deep Symbolism
The journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple (about 3 km away) is symbolic of Lord Jagannath’s journey to his maternal aunt’s home. It mirrors the epic journey of the soul from the material world to the spiritual world, according to some philosophical interpretations.
9. No One Really “Pulls” the Chariots Alone
Thousands of devotees tug the heavy ropes, but insiders believe the chariots don’t move until the Lord wills it. There have been times when, despite thousands pulling, the chariots stood still—only to begin rolling after rituals were completed.
10. Rath Yatra 2025: Key Dates to Know
- Snana Purnima (Bathing Festival): June 26, 2025
- Rath Yatra (Main Chariot Festival): Friday, July 4, 2025
- Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): July 12, 2025
- Suna Besha (Golden Attire Ritual): July 13, 2025
In Conclusion: More Than a Festival
Rath Yatra is not just about pulling chariots—it is about surrender, unity, tradition, and transcendence. Whether you’re a devotee, a traveller, or a curious soul, the festival offers something to everyone: a glimpse of a living tradition that has rolled through centuries.
So, when the chants of “Jai Jagannath!” rise through the air this July, remember: you’re not just watching a festival—you’re witnessing history on wheels.
