Bahuda Yatra 2025 Date: Puri Gears Up for Bahuda Yatra as Nandighosa Chariot to Turn Southward Today

Bahuda Yatra 2025 Date: Puri Gears Up for Bahuda Yatra as Nandighosa Chariot to Turn Southward Today

The sacred coastal city of Puri is bustling with devotional energy as preparations intensify for the Bahuda Yatra 2025, the revered return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan from the Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple.

After the completion of the important Hera Panchami ritual on Tuesday night, the focus shifted to the Dakshina Moda (southward turning) of the three grand Rath Yatra chariots. On Wednesday, July 2, the chariots of Devi Subhadra (Darpadalan) and Lord Balabhadra (Taladhwaja) were successfully pulled and turned southward near Sharadhabali, beside the Gundicha Temple. This sacred turning began at 2 PM following the Ajnya Mala ritual.

However, due to heavy rainfall and limited visibility, the chariot of Lord Jagannath (Nandighosa) could not be turned yesterday. As a result, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has scheduled the Dakshina Moda of Nandighosa for today, July 3, at 9 AM.

Significance of Dakshina Moda in Rath Yatra

The Dakshina Moda, or the act of turning the chariots southward, symbolizes the preparation for the Bahuda Yatra, the return procession of the deities. This ritual holds great spiritual importance as it aligns the chariots toward Shree Mandira, marking the journey back to their original abode. The process is accompanied by rhythmic chants, Rath Yatra bhajans, bell ringing, and the dedicated participation of Bhoi servitors, Maharana sevaks, and other temple officials.

Key Officials Oversee Rituals

The chariot turning rituals have been conducted under the strict supervision of senior officials including:

• Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple
• ADGP Saumendra Priyadarshi
• Puri Collector Chanchal Rana
• SP Pinak Mishra

Today, before Nandighosa is turned, the condition of all three chariots will be reviewed by the Chief Vishwakarma, Bhoi servitors, engineers, blacksmiths, and the Rath Inspection Committee. Their role is to ensure the structural integrity and readiness of the chariots for the Bahuda Yatra.

Bahuda Yatra Date and Schedule

The Bahuda Yatra 2025 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 5, when the deities will make their divine return to Shree Jagannath Temple. Ahead of that, Sandhya Darshan is set for Friday evening, July 4, allowing devotees a final glimpse of the deities at the Gundicha Temple.

All arrangements are being handled with precision and devotion under the guidance of Mohan Sarkar, ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling conclusion to this year’s Rath Yatra festivities.