Odisha is set to witness one of India's largest religious gatherings as the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra begins on Thursday, with nearly one million devotees expected to visit Puri over the next nine days. As preparations enter the final stage, the three grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are receiving their finishing touches ahead of the ceremonial procession, which will continue until July 24.

The massive influx of pilgrims has triggered an unprecedented demand for accommodation across Puri. Hotels and lodges have been fully booked for months, with local authorities confirming that reservations began as early as February 2026.

Hotel Tariffs Witness Sharp Spike

Accommodation rates have surged dramatically as the festival approaches. Properties located near the Jagannath Temple and along the Rath Yatra route are commanding premium prices due to their strategic location.

Hotel rooms that usually cost between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000 per night are reportedly being offered for as much as ₹50,000 for a three-day stay, particularly those providing direct views of the procession. According to local estimates, Puri has nearly 1,200 hotels, most of which are operating at full capacity during the festival.

Officials attribute the price rise to exceptionally high demand from pilgrims arriving from across India and abroad.

Final Preparations Underway

Artisans and temple authorities are completing the final decorative work on the three iconic wooden chariots, which are rebuilt every year following centuries-old traditions. Security arrangements, crowd management systems and medical facilities have also been strengthened to handle the expected surge of visitors during the annual festival.

The Rath Yatra remains one of Hinduism's most significant religious events, symbolising Lord Jagannath's annual journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

A Unique Rath Yatra in Howrah

While Puri prepares for its grand celebration, a remarkable tradition in Howrah, West Bengal, continues to draw attention for its message of communal harmony.

Unlike conventional Rath Yatras where devotees pull elaborately decorated chariots, Dr Sheikh Maqbool Islam, a professor in the Bengali Department of St. Paul's Cathedral Mission College, Kolkata, carries the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan in his lap during a 400-metre procession.

The event sees participation from members of Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities, reflecting the inclusive spirit associated with Lord Jagannath.

Faith Beyond Religious Boundaries

Dr Islam has been researching Lord Jagannath since 1992 and has authored more than 14 books on the deity. He installed Lord Jagannath's idol in his residence in 1996 and has organised this distinctive procession every year since 2009.

Explaining the philosophy behind the tradition, Dr Islam cites a verse from the Kathopanishad, which describes the human body as the chariot and the soul as its master.

According to him, when the human body itself serves as the divine chariot, there is no need to construct a separate one.

A strict vegetarian, Dr Islam also prepares 35 varieties of sattvic offerings for Lord Jagannath following the traditional rituals observed at the Puri temple.

Devotion Takes Centre Stage

As lakhs of devotees converge on Odisha and celebrations begin across different parts of the country, this year's Rath Yatra once again highlights both the grandeur of one of India's oldest religious traditions and the enduring message of faith, unity and cultural harmony associated with Lord Jagannath.