A spiritual wave has engulfed the city of Puri as the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 unfolds in all its glory. Also referred to as the Gundicha Yatra or the Chariot Festival, this annual celebration is one of the grandest religious events in India, drawing lakhs of devotees to the holy city.
A Tradition Steeped in Faith and Ritual
The second day of the Yatra saw the massive wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra being pulled through the streets towards the Gundicha Temple. The ritual marks the Lord’s symbolic journey to his maternal aunt’s temple, where he will reside for nine days before returning to his sanctum.
The chariot pulling began precisely at 9:30 AM on June 28, as confirmed by Arabinda K Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Jagannath Temple.
International Devotees Celebrate a Dream Fulfilled
Pilgrims from far corners of the world joined the celebration, overwhelmed with spiritual joy. A devotee from West Africa, attending for the first time, shared:
Lifelong Devotees Reflect on the Yatra’s Power
Gaurangi Devika Das, a devotee who has lived in India for over 20 years, expressed deep gratitude:
Emotional Experiences from Across India
Many Indian pilgrims shared equally heartfelt moments. Parna from Kolkata said:
Leaders Unite in Prayer and Participation
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also participated in the Yatra and offered his prayers:joining from Gujarat, Swami Shri Sukh Darshan Das of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.
Yatra Timeline: A Journey from Temple to Temple
The Rath Yatra began on June 27 and will conclude on July 1, when the deities return to the Jagannath Temple from Gundicha Temple. These nine days symbolize the Lord’s willingness to reach out to his devotees, meeting them on the streets, regardless of caste, creed, or class.
