Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 - Celebrated Extravagances of Four Prominent Festivals Away from Puri
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, a grand chariot festival honouring Lord Jagannath and his siblings, is not confined to Puri in Odisha. This spiritual celebration is celebrated with great fervour in various parts of the country, particularly in Odisha and West Bengal, each location adding its unique local tradition to the grand spectacle.
One of the most prominent Rath Yatras outside Puri is the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra in Gujarat. Held annually at the ancient Jagannath temple in the Jamalpur area, this Rath Yatra is considered the third largest in India, following those in Puri and Kolkata. The procession follows a predesignated route and concludes late in the evening, attracting a huge crowd, so it's advisable to be prepared, especially if you have children. It's important to note that pulling the ropes of the chariot can be dangerous if you are not able to run in sync with others, so it's better to watch from a distance.
In Baripada, Odisha, the Rath Yatra dates back to the 14th century and is held in the Mayurbhanj district. This Rath Yatra features chariots from the 16th century Hari Baladev Jew Temple. A unique tradition here is that the chariot of Goddess Subhadra is pulled exclusively by women, a practice started in 1975 to commemorate International Women's Year and continued since then.
Another noteworthy Rath Yatra outside Puri is the one held in Digha, Odisha. While it's a newer celebration, it has begun attracting devotees. The festival here also honours the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, reflecting the same mythological significance as the Puri Rath Yatra.
Rath Yatras inspired by the Puri festival are also held in various cities across West Bengal, drawing large crowds of devotees. While specific cities were not detailed in the sources, the cultural importance remains, mirroring the rituals of the Puri Yatra.
Temples like Lingaraj Temple and Kakatpur Mangala Temple near Puri experience celebrations around Rath Yatra time. While not exactly Rath Yatras, these festivals contribute to the religious atmosphere in the region during this period, attracting pilgrims seeking a less crowded but spiritually significant experience.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is celebrated across India during the monsoon (June-July). A notable celebration is the one held in Mahesh, West Bengal. Another popular event is the Rath Yatra organised by ISKCON in Kolkata, which attracts a significant crowd. The chariot for this Kolkata Rath Yatra rolls out from ISKCON's Kolkata-based temple and travels across parts of the city. In 2024, the Kolkata Rath Yatra will be held at the TAI Brigade Parade Ground (near Park Street Metro Station).
The Rath Yatra commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to the Gundicha Temple, roughly 3 kilometers from the Jagannath Temple in Puri, lasting about nine days. The chariot festival is marked by spectacular processions where devotees pull huge, ornately decorated chariots of the deities through public streets, symbolizing the gods’ journey to their birthplace and back. This festival is open to everyone to join the procession, even foreigners, although only Hindus are permitted inside the Jagannath Temple itself.
These locations reflect the widespread cultural and religious significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra across eastern India, especially in Odisha and neighbouring West Bengal, each adding its unique local tradition to the grand celebration.
- In Mahesh, West Bengal, another significant Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is celebrated during the monsoon months.
- Travelling during the Jagannath Rath Yatra season offers opportunities to experience various lifestyles and traditions associated with the festival across eastern India.
