Jagannath rath yatra 2025: The Jagannath Rath Yatra is considered one of the most prominent and special festivals in India, also known as Rath festival and Sri Gundicha Yatra. According to the Hindu calendar, every year on the second date of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month, the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Orissa is taken out with great pomp. This year the Jagannath Rath Yatra will start from 27 June i.e. Friday.
The Jagannath Temple of Puri is one of the four dhams a Hindu pilgrimage center. During this, Lord Jagannath sits on a chariot with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Jagannath Rath Yatra has special significance, devotees from all over the world come to participate in this holy journey. It is believed that by joining the chariot journey of Lord Jagannath, pulling the chariot gives salvation.
Jagannath Rath Yatra Date (Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Tithi)
According to the Hindu calendar, this year, the second date of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month will start at 1:30 pm on 26 June and the date will conclude on June 27 at 11:19 am. The Jagannath Rath Yatra will conclude on 5 July 2025, which will run for 9 days.
What is the ritual of Chhera?
Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra will come out of the Jagannath temple of Puri and go to Gundicha temple. The ritual of Chhera is performed on the first day of this journey. But, what is the ritual of Chhera.
A tradition has been going on since ancient times, during which the Maharajas of Orissa clean the chariot with a gold broom. The process of cleaning the chariot with this gold broom is called the ritual of Chhera and after that the chariot journey begins, then devotees draw the chariot of God. After this, the ritual of Hera Panchami will be performed on 1 July. On July 4, the Rath Yatra will go to the main temple of Lord Jagannath from Gundicha temple which is called Bahuda. Then, on July 5, Lord Jagannath will return to the main temple, where he will be given a grand welcome.
Why is the chariot journey taken out?
According to Skanda Purana, Lord Jagannath’s sister Subhadra expressed his desire to see the city one day. Then Jagannath and Balabhadra went out to show their sister on the chariot and show the city. During this journey, he went to his aunt Gundicha’s house and stayed there for seven days. Since then the tradition of Jagannath Rath Yatra started.