Rath Yatra, the grand procession of Lord Jagannath

Rath Yatra, the grand procession of Lord Jagannath

jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me

This is a mantra for Lord Jagannātha: “Jagannātha means ‘Lord of the universe.’ ‘O Lord of the universe, kindly be visible unto me.’

Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shri Gundicha Yatra, is held annually near the  Lord Jagannath Temple, situated in the ancient city of Puri, Odisha. Every year, millions of devotees across the world join the grand processions dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Rath Yatra marks the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with His siblings Lord Balarama and Subhadra Devi, from Their temple to the Gundicha Temple.

Three chariots are constructed every year, and they ride on majestic wooden chariots pulled by ropes by thousands of devotees. Each Deity has a unique chariot. Lord Jagannath’s chariot is called Nandighosa, Lord Baladeva rides the Taladhwaja and Devi Subhadra’s chariot is Darpadalana.

Rath Yatra is a nine-day festival which will begin on June 27, 2025 and conclude on July 5, 2025, including the return journey of the Deities to the Jagannath Temple called ‘Bahuda Ratha Yatra’.

The Ratha Yatra festival is  observed on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Asadha month (Shukla Paksh Dwitya), which falls in the month of June or July.  It is a monumental journey to receive the compassion and mercy of Lord Jagannath, where He steps out of His sanctum to bless everyone. During this time, the Maharaja of Puri does the ceremonial sweeping rendering in the seva of Lord Jagannath.  Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Madhya-līlā 13.17 mentions, 

uttama hañā rājā kare tuccha sevana

ataeva jagannāthera kṛpāra bhājana

“Although the King was the most exalted respectable person, still he accepted menial service for the Lord; he therefore became a suitable candidate for receiving the Lord’s mercy.”

Vedic and spiritual significance of Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra holds a strong cultural, historical and Vedic connection. The Skanda Purana mentions Rath Yatra as the most important of the twelve Yatras of Lord Jagannath. It is not just a religious festival but a spiritual spectacle which highlights the relationship between the Lord and His devotees. 

 Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta mentions about Lord Jagannath performing pastimes for the pleasure of His devotees, in Madhya-līlā 13.13,

viśvambhara jagannāthe ke cālāite pāre?

āpana icchāya cale karite vihāre

“Lord Jagannātha is the maintainer of the whole universe. Who can carry Him from one place to another? The Lord moves by His personal will just to perform His pastimes.”

In one of the lectures, Srila Prabhupada explains, “Rath Yatra began when Lord Krishna, along with His elder brother Balarama and younger sister Subhadra, came from Dwaraka to Kurukshetra. When Krishna arrived there with His family, the news reached the people of Vrindavan, Krishna's childhood home. The gopis (cowherd girls), led by Srimati Radharani, also came to see Him. When Radharani saw Krishna surrounded by royal grandeur in Kurukshetra, She expressed Her heart’s desire. She said, “Krishna, You are here, and I am here, but we are missing Vrindavan. I wish You would come back with Me so we can again enjoy the forests of Vrindavan.” This mood of longing and separation was deeply felt and taught by Lord Chaitanya. Even today, the Ratha Yatra festival is celebrated in Jagannath Puri, where Lord Chaitanya participated 500 years ago. During the festival, He felt the emotions of Radharani bringing Krishna back to Vrindavan.

For devotees, this is not just a celebration. It is a festival of deep spiritual emotion where Lord Krishna is worshipped as Lord Jagannath. This festival has been celebrated for the last 5,000 years. Rath Yatra symbolize the loving relationship between the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His devotees.”

Srila Prabhupada highlights the spiritual meaning of Rath Yatra in one of his lectures, “The Lord is situated in everyone's heart, and this body is just like ratha, or car. He is sitting in everyone's heart. It is stated in the Bhagavad-gītā, sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭaḥ: "I am sitting in everyone's heart.'' 

Rath Yatra in Vrindavan

Though Puri is the epicentre of Rath Yatra, Vrindavan, the divine abode of Lord Krishna, also observes the festival with great enthusiasm and devotion. Many temples of Vrindavan, including the Lord Jagannath Temple in Gyan Gudri, situated near the holy river Yamuna, come alive with the celebration of Rath Yatra. Chariot processions through the narrow streets of Vrindavan, accompanied by kirtans and devotional songs, distribution of prasadam, and narration of Lord Jagannath’s pastimes unfold beyond the confines of temple walls. The carts are decorated with fresh flowers and brass bells tied to the chariot. Rath Yatra concludes at Gyan Gudri in Vrindavan. Devotees eagerly participate in the auspicious opportunity to serve the Lord by pulling the chariots. Srila Prabhupada mentions, “Anyone who is participating in this festival will gradually develop his dormant love for Krsna.”

On this auspicious occasion, Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, which is situated in the Vrindavan Heritage Tower, also organized the Rath Yatra. It began with the divine darshans of Their Lordships seated in beautifully decorated chariots. The festival also featured the Arati of the Deities in the Rath and a cultural play by the children of Culture Camp 2025. The event concluded with the distribution of prasadam.

As Lord Jagannath rides through the city, He unites hearts in devotion. Even touching the ropes and wheels of chariots can purify one’s soul, and the devotee can attain spiritual liberation with the mercy of Lord Jagannatha.