Puri Rath Yatra 2025 Begins Today, Rain May Disrupt Procession

Preparations have been completed for the much-awaited Rath Yatra or the chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in the holy city of Puri in Odisha. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra will depart for their birthplace Gundicha temple today. This nine-day annual journey is starting from today, which devotees from all over the world are excited to witness. (Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 LIVE)

Rath Yatra is celebrated every year on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month of the Hindu calendar. It is the most important festival of the Jagannath temple, in which the holy trinity (Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra) travel on a chariot towards their birthplace, Gundicha temple. The Gundicha temple, also known as the Lord's garden house or yajna vedi, is located about three kilometres from the Jagannath temple.

After this, the Tridevs remain in seclusion for 15 days, called the 'Anasar' period. During this time devotees are not allowed to have darshan and certain secret rituals are performed by special servitors called 'Daitapatis'. During this period, the Tridevs are given Ayurvedic herbs, fruits etc. so that they can recover quickly from the ailments that occur after bathing. After being fully recovered, the Tridevs give 'Nav Yauvan Darshan' to the devotees, which usually takes place a day before the Rath Yatra.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, during a review meeting of the Rath Yatra in Puri, appealed to all stakeholders, servitors, district administration and locals for cooperation for the smooth and seamless conduct of the festival. Extensive security arrangements have been made for the safety of tourists and locals, including deployment of AI cameras and snipers.