Witnessing the divine journey: Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath
On June 27, 2025, Puri will come alive as over three million people gather for Rath Yatra—the annual festival where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, travels from the ancient Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.
This journey is a rare chance for everyone (including non-Hindus) to see the deities outside the temple's inner sanctum.
More on the festival
Rath Yatra isn't just about tradition—it's a nine-day spectacle filled with rituals like the lively Pahandi procession and Chhera Panhara, where even the king joins in by sweeping the chariots.
The massive wooden chariots are rebuilt every year by local artisans using age-old methods.
The festival wraps up with a golden homecoming on July 4 and 5, turning Puri into a vibrant mix of devotion and culture that draws crowds from all over India—and beyond.