Puri Rath Yatra 2025 Begins

Source: X/Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri

 

Puri Rath Yatra 2025 begins with lakhs pulling Lord Jagannath’s chariot amid heavy security

 

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is held once a year, started in Puri on Friday at 4:10 PM as a large number of devotees pulled the three ritualistic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The event is unique in the sense that it is the only occasion when the deities emerge from the Jagannath Temple to travel to the Gundicha Temple, roughly 3 km away.

Thousands of people showed up on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) in spite of high humidity and light rain. The festival is one of the world’s biggest religious processions and occupies a central place in Hindu faith and culture across India and overseas.

 

Ceremonial Beginning With Traditional Rituals

 

The proceedings for the day commenced with the Pahandi Bije, where the gods were brought out of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum by servitors in a rhythmical, swaying ceremonial procession. They were then positioned on their respective chariots, Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra, and Darpadalana for Devi Subhadra.

Early in the day, the ceremonial king of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, conducted the Chhera Pahara ceremony. As is the ancient tradition, the king used a golden broom to sweep the chariot platforms, representing humility before the divine.

At 4:10 PM, the chariots were officially pulled as thousands of devotees grasped the ropes amidst cries of ‘Jai Jagannath’. The chariots rolled down slowly on the Grand Road towards the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will reside for nine days.

 

Multi-Layer Security Cover Across Puri

 

The Odisha government sent more than 10,000 security personnel to cover the Yatra, comprising NSG commandos, CRPF, and RAF contingents. The city was divided into several security zones, with intense deployment at rooftops, at major junctions, and on the coast.

More than 275 AI-based CCTV cameras were deployed throughout Puri to monitor in real-time. Anti-drone defense, coastal patrolling, and drone monitoring were also initiated. An Integrated Command and Control Centre was established for integrated emergency response.

365 special trains and 800 extra buses were also organized to transport pilgrims from all over the nation. Local authorities arranged drinking water kiosks, temporary toilets, first-aid centers, lost-and-found stalls, and assistance desks across the city.

 

Devotees Ride Out Rain, Rush to Pull Chariots

 

The devotion among pilgrims, however, remained intact despite the inclement weather conditions. A good number of them reached during the nighttime to ensure their place from where they could have a view of the chariots. The sounds of bhajans and drumbeats, along with the blowing of conches, reverberated through the entire city in a sacred ambience.

Pulling the chariots is considered a highly sacred act insofar as it confers spiritual merit and blessings from Lord Jagannath.

 

Key Events to Follow

 

Bahuda Yatra: July 5

Suna Besha: July 6

Niladri Bije: July 8

Lakhs more will throng Puri during this time to see the return of the deities and the grand culmination rituals.

 

Festival Grounded in Devotion and Equality

 

The Rath Yatra is not only a religious festival. It's an embodiment of equality and inclusivity. The gods emerge from the temple to interact with followers in person, bridging caste, class, and community boundaries.

The avenue, covered with the rains, was packed with the energy of a roaring crowd echoing a tradition as powerful and unifying today as it was in the very distant past. Through the Rath Yatra, Puri is reiterated to be the cultural and spiritual heart of Indian civilization.