Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 Begins in Puri as Lakhs of Devotees Join Grand Chariot Procession

Puri , July 16: The world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 commenced with grandeur and deep religious fervour in Odisha‘s Puri on Thursday, as lakhs of devotees gathered to witness one of Hinduism’s largest and most revered festivals. The annual chariot procession began after traditional temple rituals, filling the holy town with chants of “Jai Jagannath” and an atmosphere of devotion.

The festival marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, accompanied by Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. Thousands of devotees pulled the three towering wooden chariots through Puri’s Grand Road, considering it a sacred privilege believed to bring divine blessings.

Before the procession began, the deities underwent traditional rituals, followed by the customary ceremonies that officially signalled the start of the Yatra. Authorities deployed extensive security arrangements and crowd-management measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the event as pilgrims from across India and abroad arrived in large numbers.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several other leaders extended greetings to devotees on the occasion, describing the festival as a symbol of faith, unity and India’s rich cultural heritage.

The Rath Yatra, celebrated every year on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, is one of India’s oldest religious traditions. The deities will remain at the Gundicha Temple for several days before returning to the Jagannath Temple during the Bahuda Yatra, another important phase of the festival.

Apart from Puri, Rath Yatra celebrations are being held in several cities across the country, including Ahmedabad, Delhi and other major pilgrimage centres, with thousands of devotees participating in colourful processions and devotional programmes.