Puri, Odisha witnessed a magnificent spiritual spectacle as lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad gathered to witness the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, one of the grandest religious processions in the world. With divine fervour and chants of “Jai Jagannath” echoing through the air, the three majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra rolled down the Bada Danda (Grand Road), marking the start of their annual journey from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, around 3 kilometers away.

The sacred yatra began around 4:10 PM after the performance of key rituals steeped in tradition. The proceedings started with Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati visiting the three elaborately decorated chariots along with his disciples. This was followed by the ceremonial ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual—symbolising humility—performed by Puri’s titular king, who swept the platforms of the chariots with a golden broom.

As per tradition, the Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra was the first to move, followed by Darpadalan, the chariot of Devi Subhadra, and finally Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath himself. The movement of the chariots began with enthusiastic pulling by devotees, servitors, and security personnel amidst the thundering sounds of gongs, conches, cymbals, and loud chants of “Hari Bol” and “Jai Jagannath” under a cloudy yet spiritually vibrant sky.

Before the divine journey began, the ‘Pahandi Bije’ ritual was conducted, where the deities were ceremoniously brought out of the sanctum sanctorum. This traditional ritual involves escorting the deities from the Ratna Sinhasana (bejewelled throne) of the main temple, descending the iconic Baisi Pahacha (22 steps), and guiding them toward their respective chariots through the Singhadwar or Lion’s Gate.

The ritual procession began with Lord Sudarshan being placed on Darpadalan, Devi Subhadra’s chariot. He was followed by Lord Balabhadra, who ascended his Taladhwaja chariot. Finally, Devi Subhadra, the divine sister of the two lords, was brought in a special ‘Dhadi Pahandi’ procession and placed on her chariot. The grandeur peaked with Lord Jagannath’s majestic exit, escorted to his towering Nandighosha chariot amid ritualistic drumbeats and an emotionally charged crowd.

Earlier in the day, multiple pre-yatra rituals such as Mangala Arati, Mailam, and other sacred practices were conducted within the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple. These rituals are integral to the preparations that precede the deities’ departure from their sacred abode. The sheer scale of the event was awe-inspiring, with lakhs of devotees in attendance. While the majority hailed from Odisha and neighbouring states like West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, a significant number of foreign devotees and international tourists were also present, bearing testament to the global spiritual appeal of Rath Yatra. For many, participating in the pulling of the chariots is not just an act of devotion but also a deeply transformative experience.

The entire 3-kilometre Grand Road from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple became a vibrant sea of colours, chants, music, and movement. Devotees believe that pulling the ropes of the chariots during Rath Yatra washes away sins and grants divine blessings. The event was also under strict security cover, with thousands of personnel deployed to manage the large gathering and ensure a peaceful celebration. The Rath Yatra 2025 has once again reaffirmed its place as not just a religious ritual, but a cultural and spiritual phenomenon. As the deities begin their nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha Temple, the city of Puri transforms into a sacred pilgrimage hub, radiating devotion, energy, and divine celebration.