Lakhs of devotees gather to pull the divine chariots as Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra begin their holy journey
27 June 2025, New Delhi
The holy city of Puri in Odisha turned into a sea of devotion on Friday as the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 began with full enthusiasm. Lakhs of people from across India and the world came together to witness the grand annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra.
The three deities were brought out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on their beautifully decorated wooden chariots—Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana. With the chanting of “Jai Jagannath” and the sounds of conches and drums, the chariots were pulled by devotees along the 3-kilometer route to the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be their aunt’s house.
A special and emotional moment was when King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb performed the traditional Chhera Pahara ritual. He swept the area around the chariots with a golden broom to show that before the Lord, everyone is equal—whether king or commoner.
This year, the Yatra witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 1.2 million devotees, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and spiritual significance the festival holds across the world. The Odisha government made strong arrangements for crowd control, safety, and health. Over 10,000 police officers were on duty, and medical teams were present all along the route. Special buses and trains were also arranged to help people reach Puri.
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The Rath Yatra was also celebrated in other countries like the USA, UK, and Australia, where people took part in processions and prayer gatherings. Live streaming allowed millions more to join in the celebration online.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than just a festival—it stands as a powerful symbol of love, unity, and unwavering faith. As Lord Jagannath steps out of the temple to bless his devotees, people from all walks of life come together in devotion, proving that true faith transcends all boundaries.
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