Planning to attend Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha? First, book your flight ticket. The festival takes the deities in chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple and back along Grand Road (Bada Danda). Key days include Hera Panchami, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, and Niladri Bije; confirm final 2026 timings via official notices from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Puri District portal.
What is Rath Yatra?
Rath Yatra is a nine-day festival in Puri, Odisha, where colossal chariots carry Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to their aunt’s shrine at Gundicha Temple and back.Â
@twitter/dpradhanbjp
Chariot construction begins on Akshaya Tritiya, using wood sourced from Dashpalla and crafted exclusively by Srimandir carpenters. During the festival, the deities are pulled through the streets, and it’s believed Lord Jagannath rests for about seven days before the return journey.
More than a ritual, the yatra draws devotees from far and wide to celebrate shared faith and heritage. Similar celebrations are held in other parts of India and in Bangladesh, but the Puri procession remains the longest-established and grandest.
When and where?
- Date: Rath Yatra falls on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (the 2nd day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha) each year as per temple tradition. It is expected to fall on 16 July 2026.
- Location: The biggest celebration happens in Puri, Odisha. Along Grand Road (Bada Danda) between the main temple and Gundicha Temple (~3 km).
- Organizers: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), with the Puri District Administration and Police.
2026 timelineÂ
Exact 2026 timings are announced by SJTA/Administration closer to the festival. General timelines are as follows:
- Ratha Yatra (Gundicha Yatra) – Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya
Basis: The temple states that the Car Festival is held on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya annually. - Hera Panchami: Traditionally, on the 5th day (counting from Ratha Yatra day)
- Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): Typically, the 8th day after Ratha Yatra, deities return to the main temple.
- Suna Besha (Golden Attire): The day after Bahuda Yatra, deities appear adorned in gold ornaments (Odisha Tourism notes 200+ kg of gold used)
- Niladri Bije (Re-entry to sanctum): Concluding ritual when deities re-enter the temple; Niladri Bije is described as the last phase of the festival.
Official timings: where to check
- SJTA daily/ritual postings and notices: Today in the Temple (SJTA) & SJTA Notifications
- District advisories (traffic, zones, parking) Puri District – Documents/Notifications
Crowd, traffic & local rules
- The main procession route is Grand Road (Bada Danda) from the Lion’s Gate (Singhadwara) to Gundicha Temple.
- Each year, the District issues traffic & pedestrian zone maps (e.g., No Vehicle Zone, Designated Parking). For 2026, check:
- Puri District: Documents/Notifications (master list)
- Reference formats from this year:
- Observe temple/administration dos & don’ts (phone/camera restrictions, rooftop access, climbing chariots strictly prohibited for non-servitors, etc.).Â
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is there any ticketing for Rath Yatra darshan along the route?
No tickets are required for viewing the public chariot procession.Â
Can non-Hindus enter the Jagannath Temple?
According to the SJTA website, only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
Are rooftop or balcony views allowed?
This depends on district police/administration advisories each year (safety/code compliance). Look for specific 2026 orders in: Puri District – Documents/Notifications and updates from the Puri Police website.
Where will 2026 traffic diversions and parking be posted?
On the Puri District portal under Documents/Notifications.
