India is a land of diverse and many traditions, customs, and festivals that people celebrate with greater energy and enthusiasm. Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, also known as Rath Yatra, Gundicha Yatra, and the “Festival of Chariots,” is an incredibly significant festival in India that devotees celebrate with greater pomp and show. The devotees from all across the globe visit this sacred place called Puri, Odisha, India, to participate in this chariot festival and glance at the idols of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balbhadra.
Lord Jagannath is Lord Vishnu’s exquisite manifestation. By pulling all three chariots, the devotees seek their divine blessings for success and absolute bliss. This festival and its celebrations are significantly important both religiously and spiritually.
Now, if you have been wondering when the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2026 is and what its start and end dates are, please stay on the page to gain profound insights.
When is Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2026? Start and End Dates
This auspicious festival falls every year during the Hindu month of Ashadha, and thousands of devotees pull the chariots containing idols of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra (sister of Lord Jagannath), and Lord Balbhadra (brother of Lord Jagannath). This festival attracts numerous devotees to Puri, Odisha.
In 2026, the Dwitiya Tithi will begin on 15th July, 2026, at 11:50 AM and will end on 16th July, 2026, at 8:52 AM. Thus, the famous and sacred Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra will be held on 16th July, 2026, Thursday.
The Important Rath Yatra Festival Dates are the following:
- Rath Yatra: 16th July, 2026, Thursday
- Hera Panchami: 20th July, 2026, Monday
- The Return Journey (Bahuda Yatra): 24th July, 2026, Friday
- The Deities Return to Sanctum: 27th July, 2026, Monday
The 15-day period for the sacred seclusion will begin on 30th June, 2026. And, the temple cleaning will be held on 15th July, 2026.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2026: Celebrations, Rituals, Customs, and Traditions
Each year, the three massive chariots are built from wood using traditional techniques. These include the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra, and Devi Subhadra. This construction of chariots starts from the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, and it usually takes two months to construct them. Thousands of devotees pull these chariots and chant “Jai Jagannath!”
During the Return Journey or the Bahuda Yatra, the deities pause at the Mausi Maa Temple. With the Return to the Sanctum, the festival concludes as the deities are taken back to the inner sanctum of the temple.
We wish everyone a Very Happy and Blessed Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2026! May Lord Jagannath shower his blessings on everyone for good health, good luck, and success in all endeavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2026 start and end?
A1. The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2026 will start on 16th July, 2026, and will end on 27th July, 2026.
Q2. When is the Bahuda Yatra or the Return Journey for the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2026?
A2. The Bahuda Yatra will be held on 24th July, 2026. Q3. Lord Jagannath is the form of which Lord?
A3. Lord Jagannath is the form of Lord Vishnu