The Puri Rath Yatra 2025, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals, will be celebrated on 27th June 2025. Held annually in the holy town of Puri, Odisha, this grand celebration honours Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. One of the most visually captivating aspects of this festival is the pulling of their enormous wooden chariots through the Bada Danda (Grand Avenue) to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for nine days.
Each chariot has a unique name, design, and spiritual significance. Let’s explore the divine symbolism and importance of these sacred raths that attract millions of pilgrims every year.
Lord Jagannath’s Chariot – Nandighosh
The chariot of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosh. It is the tallest among the three, standing at 45 feet with 16 wheels, each measuring 7 feet in diameter. Draped in bright red and yellow, this chariot represents energy and Krishna’s divine yellow robes.
- Colour Theme: Yellow & Red
- Number of Wheels: 16
- Symbolism: Glory, wisdom, Krishna consciousness
- Height: 45 ft
The chariot’s name, “Nandighosh,” signifies the divine vehicle of joy and cosmic rhythm. It is a visual and spiritual centrepiece of the Rath Yatra.
Lord Balabhadra’s Chariot – Taladhwaja
Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath, rides the mighty chariot named Taladhwaja, which means "flag of the palm tree." This 44-foot-tall structure features 14 wheels and is decorated in blue and red hues. A flag with a palm tree is mounted at the top, symbolising strength and protection.
- Colour Theme: Blue & Red
- Number of Wheels: 14
- Symbolism: Power, truth, stability
- Height: 44 ft
The design reflects Lord Balabhadra’s composed nature and his role as a guardian.
Devi Subhadra’s Chariot – Darpadalana
The chariot of Devi Subhadra, the sister of Jagannath and Balabhadra, is called Darpadalana, which means “crusher of pride.” The 43-foot-high chariot has 12 wheels and is decorated with black and red fabric, symbolising Shakti (divine feminine energy) and protection.
- Colour Theme: Black & Red
- Number of Wheels: 12
- Symbolism: Feminine power, humility
- Height: 43 ft
Her chariot represents grace, wisdom, and strength.
Special Features of the Rath Yatra Chariots
Every year, these chariots are rebuilt from scratch using sacred woods like Phassi and Dhausa, traditionally sourced from Dasapalla forests. Expert carpenters, who have inherited this sacred duty for generations, construct them with exact measurements passed down through centuries.
- The chariots are adorned with striped canopies in red, yellow, blue, and black.
- Each chariot is placed opposite the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) of the Jagannath Temple on the Bada Danda.
- Every rath is drawn by four horses of symbolic colours:
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