Every year, millions of devotees gather in the holy city of Puri, Odisha, to witness one of the most spectacular religious festivals in the world—the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. This grand chariot festival is not just a religious event but a breathtaking fusion of devotion, culture, and divine energy.
If you think you know everything about Rath Yatra, think again! Here are 10 fascinating facts about this celestial journey that will leave you awestruck!
Rath Yatra 2025: Dates & Schedule
Mark your calendars! This year’s Rath Yatra falls on:
Friday, 27 June 2025
- Dwitiya Tithi begins: 1:24 PM, 26 June
- Dwitiya Tithi ends: 11:19 AM, 27 June
Nine-Day Festival Highlights
- Anavasara: 13 – 26 June
- Gundicha Marjana (Cleansing ritual): 26 June
- Rath Yatra (Main Procession): 27 June
- Hera Panchami: 1 July
- Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): 4 July
- Suna Besha (Golden Attire): 5 July
- Niladri Bijay (Final Return): 5 July
1. The Sacred Beginning of Rath Yatra
- The construction of the chariots begins on Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in Hinduism.
- The wood used is “Daru Brahma” (sacred Neem wood), believed to be divinely selected.
2. The Divine Chariots – A Marvel of Ancient Engineering
- No iron nails are used in the construction—only wooden pegs and joints!
- Three massive chariots are built every year:
- Nandighosa (Jagannath’s chariot) – 45.6 ft tall, 16 wheels
- Taladhwaja (Balabhadra’s chariot) – 45 ft tall, 14 wheels
- Darpadalana (Subhadra’s chariot) – 44.6 ft tall, 12 wheels
3. The Mystical Colors & Symbolism
- Each chariot has a distinct color scheme:
- Jagannath’s chariot: Red & Yellow
- Balabhadra’s chariot: Red & Green
- Subhadra’s chariot: Red & Black
4. The King Sweeps the Path – A Humble Gesture
- Before the procession, the King of Puri sweeps the chariot’s path with a golden broom in a ritual called “Chera Pahanra”, symbolizing humility before God.
5. The Divine Snana Yatra – When the Gods Fall Ill!
- On Jyeshtha Purnima, the deities are given a grand bath with 108 pots of water.
- After this, Lord Jagannath “falls sick” and enters Anasara (quarantine) for 15 days, where he is treated with herbal medicines!
6. The Secret Behind Gundicha Temple Visit
- Rath Yatra marks Lord Jagannath’s journey to his aunt’s house (Gundicha Temple).
- Devotees believe that Adap Darshan (seeing the deities at Gundicha) is extra auspicious!
7. The World’s Largest Kitchen Feeds Millions!
- The Jagannath Temple kitchen is the largest in the world, serving Mahaprasad to thousands daily.
- The food is cooked in a unique stacked pot system, where the top pot cooks first!
8. The Miracle of Rain on Rath Yatra
- It always rains on Rath Yatra day, no matter the weather forecast—believed to be Lord Jagannath’s blessing!
9. The Sacred Rope That Washes Away Sins
- The rope used to pull the chariots is called “Shankhachuda”—touching it is said to liberate one from sins!
10. The Sudarshan Chakra’s Secret Role
- Lord Jagannath’s Sudarshan Chakra (divine discus) travels on Subhadra’s chariot—without it, the Yatra is incomplete!
Vastu Colour Tips
- Ceilings: Should always be white or light-coloured to create an open and airy feel.
- Doors & Windows: Use wooden shades or white for positivity.
- Children’s Room: Light green or blue enhances creativity and calmness.
- Expert guidance – Consult our colour specialists call Paint Sutra:- 9700226666, 8336885588
Divine Rath Yatra moments | Sacred journey of Lord Jagannath | Witness the world’s biggest chariot festival | Untold secrets of Puri Rath Yatra | The miracle of Mahaprasad | Why Rath Yatra is a must-experience | Spiritual chills of Jagannath Dham