Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 Date, Snana Yatra and Bahuda Yatra

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in India, especially in Puri, Odisha. Every year, millions of devotees gather to witness Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra travel from the sacred Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple on beautifully decorated wooden chariots.

The festival symbolizes the Lord’s annual visit to His devotees and is considered highly auspicious. Pulling the chariots, chanting the holy names of Lord Jagannath, or even witnessing the Rath Yatra is believed to bring immense spiritual blessings.

If you are looking for the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 date, Jagannath Snana Yatra 2027 date, Bahuda Yatra 2027 date, Rath Yatra 2028 date, Rath Yatra 2029 date, Rath Yatra 2030 date, or When is Rath Yatra 2031, this provides all the important dates, festival schedule, rituals and significance.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 Highlights

Event	Date	Day
Jagannath Snana Yatra 2027	19 June 2027	Saturday
Anavasara Begins	20 June 2027	Sunday
Netrotsava (Nava Jaubana Darshan)	4 July 2027	Sunday
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027	5 July 2027	Monday
Hera Panchami	9 July 2027	Friday
Bahuda Yatra 2027	13 July 2027	Tuesday
Suna Besha	14 July 2027	Wednesday
Niladri Bije	15 July 2027	Thursday

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 Date

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 will be celebrated on Monday, 5 July 2027.

The festival falls on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. On this sacred day, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra leave the Jagannath Temple in Puri and travel in grand wooden chariots to the Gundicha Temple.

Thousands of priests perform Vedic rituals before the deities are placed on their respective chariots. Devotees from across India and abroad gather to pull the ropes of these gigantic chariots, considering it an act of great spiritual merit.

Rath Yatra 2027 Date and Day

Festival	Date	Day
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027	5 July 2027	Monday

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 Panchang

According to the Panchang for Bhubaneswar/Puri:

Panchang Details	Time
Festival Date	Monday, 5 July 2027
Tithi	Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya
Dwitiya Begins	4:50 AM (5 July 2027)
Dwitiya Ends	1:13 AM (6 July 2027)
Sunrise	5:12 AM
Sunset	6:31 PM

Since Dwitiya Tithi prevails during sunrise, the Rath Yatra is observed on 5 July 2027.

Jagannath Snana Yatra 2027 Date

Before the grand Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra receive a ceremonial sacred bath known as Snana Yatra or Snana Purnima.

The deities are brought out to the Snana Mandap, where they are bathed with 108 sacred pots of fragrant water collected from the temple well.

Jagannath Snana Yatra 2027 Date

Festival	Date	Day
Jagannath Snana Yatra 2027	19 June 2027	Saturday

After this grand bathing ceremony, the deities are believed to fall ill and remain away from public view for approximately fifteen days. This period is known as Anavasara, during which devotees eagerly wait for the Lord’s reappearance.

What is Snana Purnima?

Snana Purnima marks the ceremonial bathing festival of Lord Jagannath.

It is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Jyeshtha month.

Important rituals include:

• Holy bathing of all three deities
• Chanting of Vedic mantras
• Sacred Abhishekam
• Floral decorations
• Public darshan
• Traditional temple music
• Offerings of fruits and sweets

This is the only day before Rath Yatra when devotees can have such a grand public darshan of the deities.

Rath Yatra 2027 Start Date and End Date

Many devotees ask:

What is the Rath Yatra 2027 start date and end date?

The main procession begins on 5 July 2027 and concludes with Niladri Bije, when the deities return to the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple.

Event	Date
Rath Yatra Begins	5 July 2027
Bahuda Yatra	13 July 2027
Suna Besha	14 July 2027
Niladri Bije	15 July 2027

Thus, the complete Rath Yatra festival spans approximately 11 days.

Bahuda Yatra 2027 Date

After spending several days at the Gundicha Temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra return to the main Jagannath Temple.

This return journey is known as Bahuda Yatra.

Bahuda Yatra 2027 Date

Festival	Date	Day
Bahuda Yatra 2027	13 July 2027	Tuesday

During the return procession, the chariots stop at the famous Mausi Maa Temple, where Lord Jagannath is offered the traditional sweet Poda Pitha, considered one of His favorite offerings.

Complete Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 Festival Schedule

Festival	Date
Snana Yatra	19 June 2027
Anavasara Begins	20 June 2027
Nava Jaubana Darshan	4 July 2027
Rath Yatra	5 July 2027
Hera Panchami	9 July 2027
Bahuda Yatra	13 July 2027
Suna Besha	14 July 2027
Niladri Bije	15 July 2027

Rath Yatra Dates from 2026 to 2031

Many devotees search for upcoming Rath Yatra dates to plan their pilgrimage.

Year	Rath Yatra Date	Day
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026	19 June 2026	Friday
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027	5 July 2027	Monday
Rath Yatra 2028	24 June 2028	Saturday
Rath Yatra 2029	13 July 2029	Friday
Rath Yatra 2030	2 July 2030	Tuesday
Rath Yatra 2031	22 June 2031	Sunday

When is Rath Yatra 2031?

Rath Yatra 2031 will be observed on Sunday, 22 June 2031.

Like every year, the festival will begin with the grand procession from the Jagannath Temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple and will attract millions of devotees from India and around the world.

Why is Rath Yatra Celebrated?

Jagannath Rath Yatra commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

According to tradition:

• Gundicha Temple is regarded as the garden palace of Lord Jagannath.
• The annual visit fulfills the wish of Queen Gundicha.
• It symbolizes the Lord coming out of the temple to bless everyone, regardless of caste, religion, or social status.
• The festival represents equality, devotion, humility, and divine compassion.

Unlike many temple rituals where only priests enter the sanctum, Rath Yatra allows everyone to receive the Lord’s blessings directly on the streets of Puri.

History of Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the oldest and most sacred Hindu festivals, with a history spanning centuries. It is closely associated with the holy city of Puri in Odisha, where the famous Jagannath Temple is located. The festival celebrates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna), His elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and His sister Devi Subhadra from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple.

According to Hindu tradition, King Indradyumna, the legendary ruler of Malwa, established the worship of Lord Jagannath after receiving divine guidance. He built the original shrine dedicated to the Lord, which later evolved into the magnificent Jagannath Temple that attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

Over time, Rath Yatra became not only a religious celebration but also a symbol of devotion, unity, and equality. Today, people from every community, nationality, and background participate in pulling the sacred chariots, making it one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

What is Rath Yatra Odisha?

When people search for Rath Yatra Odisha, they usually refer to the famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra, the largest and most significant chariot festival in the world.

Although Rath Yatra is celebrated in many parts of India and abroad, the Puri festival holds special importance because it is the original and traditional celebration associated with Lord Jagannath.

Why is Puri Rath Yatra so Famous?

• Held at the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri.
• One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Hinduism.
• Millions of devotees visit every year.
• Three giant handcrafted wooden chariots are built annually.
• The deities come out of the temple to bless all devotees.
• Considered one of the largest religious processions in the world.

The Sacred Story Behind Jagannath Rath Yatra

According to ancient tradition, Queen Gundicha, the wife of King Indradyumna, wished that Lord Jagannath would visit her temple every year.

Accepting her devotion, Lord Jagannath promised to visit the Gundicha Temple annually along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

Since then, every year during the month of Ashadha, the three deities leave their main temple and travel to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for several days before returning to their original abode.

This divine journey symbolizes:

• God’s love for His devotees.
• The removal of barriers between the Lord and humanity.
• The Lord personally visiting His devotees.
• Universal compassion and equality.

Jagannath Snana Yatra – The Beginning of the Festival

The Rath Yatra celebrations actually begin about 15 days before the main procession with the sacred Snana Yatra, also known as Snana Purnima.

During this ceremony:

• The deities are brought outside the sanctum.
• They are placed on the Snana Mandap.
• Priests perform a grand Abhisheka.
• Exactly 108 pots of sacred water are used for the ceremonial bath.
• Vedic hymns and devotional songs are chanted throughout the ritual.

This is one of the rare occasions when devotees can have a close public darshan of the deities before Rath Yatra.

Why Do the Deities Disappear After Snana Yatra?

Immediately after Snana Yatra, it is believed that Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra develop a fever due to the ceremonial bath.

For this reason, the deities remain away from public view for about 15 days.

This sacred period is called Anavasara.

During Anavasara:

• Public darshan is suspended.
• The deities are treated with herbal medicines.
• Temple rituals continue privately.
• Devotees eagerly wait for the Lord’s return.

This period symbolizes rest, healing, and renewal before the grand journey.

What is Anavasara?

Anavasara is one of the most unique traditions of the Jagannath Temple.

During Anavasara:

• Lord Jagannath is believed to be unwell.
• Temple doors remain closed for devotees.
• Special Ayurvedic treatments are offered.
• Fruit juices and herbal preparations are served instead of regular offerings.
• Temple artists repaint the idols during this period.

The conclusion of Anavasara is marked by Nava Jaubana Darshan, when devotees witness the Lord in a youthful appearance before Rath Yatra.

Nava Jaubana Darshan

Just one day before Rath Yatra, the deities reappear before devotees after the Anavasara period.

This occasion is known as Nava Jaubana Darshan, meaning “the Lord’s youthful appearance.”

Thousands of devotees gather in Puri to witness this special darshan before the Rath Yatra procession begins.

The Three Chariots of Jagannath Rath Yatra

One of the most remarkable features of Rath Yatra is the construction of three massive wooden chariots. These are built every year using traditional methods and sacred wood.

Deity	Chariot Name	Flag	Wheels
Lord Jagannath	Nandighosha	Trailokyamohini	16
Lord Balabhadra	Taladhwaja	Unnani	14
Devi Subhadra	Darpadalana (Devadalana)	Nadambika	12

Each chariot is newly constructed every year using neem wood and traditional craftsmanship that has been preserved for generations.

Lord Jagannath’s Chariot – Nandighosha

Lord Jagannath rides the magnificent Nandighosha chariot.

Features

• 16 wheels
• Bright yellow and red canopy
• Largest of all three chariots
• Decorated with colorful fabrics
• Pulled by thousands of devotees

Nandighosha represents divine grace and protection.

Lord Balabhadra’s Chariot – Taladhwaja

The eldest brother, Lord Balabhadra, rides the Taladhwaja chariot.

Features

• 14 wheels
• Green and red decorations
• Symbolizes strength and righteousness
• Decorated with sacred symbols

Devi Subhadra’s Chariot – Darpadalana

Devi Subhadra travels in the beautiful Darpadalana, also known as Devadalana.

Features

• 12 wheels
• Black and red canopy
• Represents compassion and divine energy
• Positioned between the two brothers during the procession

How Are the Chariots Built?

The construction of the chariots begins several weeks before Rath Yatra.

Traditional carpenters belonging to hereditary families undertake this sacred responsibility.

Important Facts

• Only selected neem trees are used.
• Construction follows ancient temple scriptures.
• No old chariot is reused.
• Every year, brand-new chariots are built.
• Hundreds of artisans participate in the work.
• The construction itself is considered a sacred ritual.

The Ritual of Chhera Pahanra

One of the most significant ceremonies during Rath Yatra is Chhera Pahanra.

During this ritual, the Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the platforms of the chariots with a golden broom.

The King also sprinkles sandalwood water around the chariots.

Spiritual Meaning

This ritual teaches that:

• Everyone is equal before God.
• Even a king is a humble servant of Lord Jagannath.
• True devotion is expressed through humility and service.

It is one of the most iconic moments of the entire festival.

Hera Panchami

The fifth day of Rath Yatra is celebrated as Hera Panchami.

According to temple tradition, Goddess Lakshmi becomes upset because Lord Jagannath leaves for Gundicha Temple without taking her along.

She visits Gundicha Temple to meet Him, and after a symbolic interaction, returns to the Jagannath Temple.

This ritual represents divine love and the playful relationship between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi.

Bahuda Yatra – The Return Journey

After staying at the Gundicha Temple for several days, the deities begin their return journey.

This procession is known as Bahuda Yatra.

Bahuda Yatra 2027 Date

Tuesday, 13 July 2027

During Bahuda Yatra:

• The chariots travel back toward Jagannath Temple.
• Devotees again pull the massive chariots.
• Thousands chant “Jai Jagannath.”
• The streets of Puri are filled with devotional music and celebrations.

Mausi Maa Temple Stop

On the return journey, Lord Jagannath’s chariot stops at the famous Mausi Maa Temple.

Here, the Lord is offered Poda Pitha, a traditional baked rice cake that is considered one of His favorite delicacies.

This ritual is an important part of Bahuda Yatra and is eagerly awaited by devotees.

Spiritual Significance of Rath Yatra

Jagannath Rath Yatra is much more than a religious procession. It represents profound spiritual values that inspire millions of devotees.

The festival symbolizes:

• God’s unconditional love for every devotee.
• Equality beyond caste, religion, or social status.
• The journey of the soul toward the Divine.
• Compassion, humility, and selfless service.
• The victory of faith over ego.
• Unity among people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Devotees believe that even seeing the chariots or chanting the Lord’s name during the procession brings immense spiritual merit and inner peace.

Suna Besha – The Golden Attire of Lord Jagannath

After the Bahuda Yatra, one of the most awaited rituals is Suna Besha, also known as the Golden Dress Ceremony. On this auspicious occasion, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are adorned with magnificent gold ornaments while seated on their respective chariots outside the Jagannath Temple.

Thousands of devotees gather to witness this rare and divine appearance of the deities.

Suna Besha 2027 Date

Festival	Date	Day
Suna Besha	14 July 2027	Wednesday

Highlights of Suna Besha

• Gold crowns and ornaments decorate the deities.
• Special pujas and bhajans are performed.
• Lakhs of devotees have darshan.
• One of the most photographed moments of the Rath Yatra festival.

Niladri Bije – The Grand Return to the Temple

The final ritual of the Jagannath Rath Yatra is Niladri Bije, marking the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple.

Niladri Bije 2027 Date

Festival	Date	Day
Niladri Bije	15 July 2027	Thursday

According to temple tradition, Goddess Lakshmi initially refuses to allow Lord Jagannath to enter the temple because He left for Gundicha Temple without her. Lord Jagannath pacifies Her by offering Rasagola, after which the temple doors are opened and the deities re-enter the sanctum.

This ritual beautifully symbolizes love, forgiveness, and harmony.

Complete Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 Festival Timeline

Festival	Date	Day
Snana Yatra	19 June 2027	Saturday
Anavasara Begins	20 June 2027	Sunday
Nava Jaubana Darshan	4 July 2027	Sunday
Jagannath Rath Yatra	5 July 2027	Monday
Hera Panchami	9 July 2027	Friday
Bahuda Yatra	13 July 2027	Tuesday
Suna Besha	14 July 2027	Wednesday
Niladri Bije	15 July 2027	Thursday

Jagannath Rath Yatra Rituals Day by Day

1. Snana Yatra

• Ceremonial bathing with 108 sacred pots of water.
• Marks the beginning of the Rath Yatra season.

2. Anavasara

• The deities remain away from public darshan.
• Traditional herbal care and temple rituals continue privately.

3. Nava Jaubana Darshan

• First public appearance after Anavasara.
• Devotees witness the rejuvenated forms of the deities.

4. Rath Yatra

• The grand chariot procession from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.

5. Hera Panchami

• Goddess Lakshmi symbolically visits Lord Jagannath.

6. Bahuda Yatra

• The return journey from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple.

7. Suna Besha

• The deities appear in dazzling golden attire.

8. Niladri Bije

• The deities return to the sanctum, concluding the festival.

How to Reach Puri for Rath Yatra

Puri is one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations during Rath Yatra.

By Air

• Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
• Distance to Puri: Approximately 60 km

By Train

Puri Railway Station is connected to:

• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Bengaluru
• Ahmedabad
• Varanasi

By Road

Regular buses and taxis are available from:

• Bhubaneswar
• Cuttack
• Konark
• Chilika
• Other cities across Odisha

Best Time to Visit Puri During Rath Yatra

The ideal time is 2–3 days before Rath Yatra to experience:

• Snana rituals (season permitting)
• Chariot decorations
• Temple atmosphere
• Cultural programs
• Devotional processions

Booking accommodation well in advance is highly recommended due to the large number of pilgrims.

Travel Tips for Devotees

To ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage:

• Arrive early for major events.
• Carry drinking water and light snacks.
• Wear comfortable cotton clothing.
• Protect yourself from heat and rain.
• Follow local administration guidelines.
• Keep your mobile phone fully charged.
• Carry valid identification.
• Stay with family members in crowded areas.
• Respect temple customs and security arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions