Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 Schedule: Key Dates, Timings And Rituals You Shouldn’t Miss
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The Jagannath Rath Yatra on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, which will begin at 11:50 am on July 15 and ends at 8:52 am on July 16.
One of the most spectacular rituals of the festival, Suna Besha, takes place after the chariots reach the main temple. (Image: Canva)
The world-famous Puri Rath Yatra, one of Hinduism’s most revered festivals, is set to begin on July 16, 2026, in Odisha. Every year, millions of devotees gather in the holy city of Puri to witness Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra embark on their annual chariot journey to the Gundicha Temple.
According to Hindu tradition, participating in or witnessing the Rath Yatra is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring divine blessings and spiritual merit. If you’re planning to visit Puri this year, here’s a complete guide to the festival schedule, including the key rituals and important dates.
Puri Rath Yatra 2026: Complete Schedule
July 15, 2026 (Wednesday): Nabajaubana Darshan
The festivities begin with Nabajaubana Darshan, when Lord Jagannath reappears before devotees after a period of seclusion (Anasara). This marks the first public darshan of the deities before the Rath Yatra.
Also Read: Complete List Of The 56 Bhog Offered To Lord Jagannath In Mahaprasad
July 16, 2026 (Thursday): Rath Yatra Begins
The grand chariot festival starts on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. On this day, the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are pulled from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is traditionally regarded as the deities’ aunt’s home.
According to the Hindu calendar, the Dwitiya Tithi begins at 11:50 am on July 15 and ends at 8:52 am on July 16.
July 20, 2026: Hera Panchami
After the deities reach the Gundicha Temple, Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit Lord Jagannath on Hera Panchami. The ritual symbolises her journey to meet the Lord during his stay away from the main temple and is one of the festival’s most cherished traditions.
July 23, 2026: Sandhya Darshan
Devotees get a special opportunity to seek the evening darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra at the Gundicha Temple before the return journey begins.
July 24, 2026: Bahuda Yatra
The Bahuda Yatra, or return journey, marks the deities’ procession back to the Jagannath Temple. Thousands of devotees once again pull the three grand chariots through the streets of Puri.
July 25, 2026: Suna Besha
One of the most spectacular rituals of the festival, Suna Besha, takes place after the chariots reach the main temple. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are adorned with magnificent gold ornaments, drawing massive crowds of devotees.
July 26, 2026: Adhara Pana
During the Adhara Pana ritual, a sweet sacred drink is ceremonially offered to the deities while they remain on their chariots. This ritual holds deep spiritual significance in the Rath Yatra celebrations.
July 27, 2026: Niladri Bije
The festival concludes with Niladri Bije, the final and most significant ritual of the Rath Yatra. On this day, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra return to the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple and are ceremonially seated on the Ratna Singhasan (bejewelled throne), marking the official end of the annual chariot festival.
Planning To Attend Puri Rath Yatra 2026?
With millions of devotees expected to attend, planning your visit is essential. Knowing the festival’s key dates and rituals can help you experience the spiritual grandeur of the Rath Yatra while ensuring you don’t miss its most significant ceremonies.
The significance of each Rath Yatra ritual lies in its spiritual and communal aspects. Witnessing or pulling the chariots is believed to cleanse a devotee’s sins, bring spiritual merit, and grant liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
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