When Does Jagannath Rath Yatra Begin In 2025? Know Date, Signficance, And All About This Sacred Festival

The sacred town of Puri in Odisha is all set to host the grand annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, a globally renowned festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, revered as the Lord of the Universe. Every year, this much-awaited spiritual event is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashadha with immense devotion and grandeur.

As per tradition, Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, steps out of the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple and embarks on a divine procession through the city. The deities are placed on three magnificently decorated chariots and taken to the Gundicha Temple, which becomes their abode for seven days.

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Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Dates:

In 2025, the Jagannath Rath Yatra will commence on June 27 (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya) and conclude on July 5 (Dashami Tithi). The festival attracts millions of devotees from across India and around the world, who gather in Puri to witness this divine spectacle.

The Yatra is preceded by several important rituals, starting with Sahastra Snan, where the three deities are bathed with 108 pots of sacred water on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima. This cold water bath is believed to cause the deities to fall ill, leading to a 14-day-long period of seclusion (Anasara), during which they are kept away from public view for rest and recovery.

The Significance Of The Rath Yatra:

According to Padma Purana, the tradition began when Goddess Subhadra once expressed her wish to see the city of Puri. Fulfilling her desire, Lord Jagannath, accompanied by Balabhadra and Subhadra, embarked on a city tour in a chariot and stayed at their maternal aunt’s house, now known as Gundicha Temple.

The Rath Yatra holds immense spiritual significance. It is widely believed that a mere glimpse of Lord Jagannath during this period relieves devotees of all their sufferings and grants liberation (moksha) at the end of life.

[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]

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