Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 kicks off with Snana Purnima
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri, Odisha, starts with the Snana Purnima ritual on June 11, where the deities are bathed with water from the temple's golden well. After a short seclusion period called Anasara, the main event kicks off on June 27—giant wooden chariots carry Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through packed streets to Gundicha Temple. The celebrations don't stop there: Hera Panchami (July 1), Bahuda Yatra (July 5), Suna Besha (July 6), and Niladri Bijay (July 8) keep the energy going.
Why should you know about this festival?
This isn't just a local tradition—it's one of the world's biggest festivals, pulling in millions from all walks of life. The Rath Yatra is all about unity and inclusiveness; anyone can join in, making it a rare moment where differences fade and community takes center stage. If you're curious about Indian culture or love seeing people come together for something bigger than themselves, this is worth knowing about.