As the sacred date of Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 approaches, the temple town of Puri, Odisha is alive with devotion, colour, and activity. Scheduled to begin on June 27, the world-famous chariot festival will culminate with Bahuda Jatra (Return Car Festival) on July 5. With millions of devotees expected to attend, the preparations for the Rath Yatra are in full swing, focusing on tradition, safety, and spiritual grandeur.
At the heart of the preparations lies the intricate construction of the three grand chariots—for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. These massive wooden chariots are being crafted near the Shri Jagannath Temple, a sacred annual tradition carried out by skilled artisans.
“We do this work every year; it is a proud moment for us,” shared one of the craftsmen, highlighting the deep sense of devotion behind each carved detail. Currently, the final phase—decorating the rathas—is underway, as workers prepare the divine vehicles that will carry the deities through the streets of Puri.
The spiritual lead-up to the Rath Yatra began with Snana Purnima, observed recently. On this auspicious occasion, the holy trinity—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—were ritually bathed with 108 pitchers of sanctified water. This sacred bathing ceremony holds deep religious significance and marks the beginning of the deities’ public appearance in the upcoming procession.
Chariot Journey to Gundicha Temple
As per tradition, the deities will leave their main temple and travel to the Gundicha Temple on the massive chariots, pulled by thousands of devotees. This sacred journey is believed to be a symbolic visit to their maternal aunt’s home, where they will stay for a week before returning during Bahuda Yatra.
Every year, the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri attracts lakhs of pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad, making it one of the largest and most spiritually charged festivals in the world.
Multi-Agency Mock Drill for Rath Yatra 2025 Security
Ensuring safety is as important as celebrating tradition. In preparation for this year’s Rath Yatra, a multi-agency mock drill was conducted near the temple premises. Led by Puri SP Vineet Agarwal, the exercise saw the participation of 11 security and emergency response agencies, all aiming to coordinate efforts for potential threats or emergencies. Agarwal emphasized, “It was an anti-terror intervention exercise to assess the preparedness and coordination of our teams.”
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than a cultural spectacle—it's a deep spiritual experience that symbolizes devotion, unity, and divine movement. Celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha in Ashadha month, usually in June or July, this festival holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus worldwide.
Each year, new chariots are constructed, reflecting the idea of renewal and divine rebirth. The streets of Puri come alive with vibrant colours, devotional chants, and immense joy, turning the city into a living canvas of faith. With less than three weeks to go, Puri’s Rath Yatra 2025 is shaping up to be a spiritually uplifting and visually stunning event. From ritualistic traditions to modern security measures, the coastal town is ready to welcome the world for Lord Jagannath’s divine journey.
Credit: ANI
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