Puri Rath Yatra: A Timeless Tradition Of Rituals, Symbolism & Spiritual Power

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] 27 Jun 2025, 02:12 PM IST Author: Bibhu Prasad Ray | Credit: SJTA

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Every year, the world watches as Lord Jagannath embarks on a grand spiritual journey in Odisha’s Puri. Here's why Rath Yatra is more than just a festival in the state. Author: Bibhu Prasad Ray | Credit: SJTA

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] What is Rath Yatra? The Rath Yatra marks the annual chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to Gundicha Temple. Author: Bibhu Prasad Ray | Credit: SJTA

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] A Journey of the Divine The deities travel 3 km from their abode at Jagannath Temple to their aunt’s temple—Gundicha Mandir. Author: Bibhu Prasad Ray | Credit: SJTA

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] A Festival of Unity People from all backgrounds, castes, and countries come together. Rath Yatra reflects the equality Lord Jagannath stands for. Author: Bibhu Prasad Ray | Credit: SJTA

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Deep Spiritual Meaning The Lord stepping out to meet devotees symbolizes God’s accessibility, as he comes to the people. Author: Bibhu Prasad Ray | Credit: SJTA

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Rituals that Stir the Soul From Pahandi Bije to Chhera Pahanra, each ritual carries rich tradition and emotional resonance. Author: Bibhu Prasad Ray | Credit: SJTA

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] 2 Yatras, 1 Message The return journey, Bahuda Yatra, completes the divine visit, reminding us that life is a cycle of departure and return. Author: Bibhu Prasad Ray | Credit: SJTA

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] When Devotees Become Pullers Devotees pull the giant wooden chariots, believing it earns them spiritual merit and the Lord’s blessings. Author: Bibhu Prasad Ray | Credit: SJTA

[{"selector":"#anim-a316e119-3272-4bde-b37b-1e3a90da698c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(8.01809229879673%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3712dab-9cae-4719-9703-3bc3683c546b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d3e3597-5b1a-4765-9efc-896aa854e20d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 98.97499%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-da17895d-117c-403d-b8e1-1f38bb81f735","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2cf2b37c-f345-469c-a2a8-c8401d49f7a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -794.60327%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-65ebef5e-c822-489f-bc0b-e776d0ff0acc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b28a2e7-5a95-4ac7-8d90-e07c3df2d950","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 172.56706%, 0) rotate(360deg)","rotate(-360deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(360deg)"]},"delay":600,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] A Journey of Faith Rath Yatra isn’t just a ritual; it’s where faith moves on wheels and the divine meets the devotee on the streets.

More Stories Puri Rath Yatra 2025: All About Snana Purnima, the Sacred Bath Ritual of the Holy Trinity Puri Rath Yatra: Know the Rituals and the Legends Behind the Fest Witness Chariot Construction for Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri Bahuda Yatra 2024: Witness Eye-Catching Visuals Of Pahandi Rituals In Puri