Can everyone pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath? Know these important rules before going to Puri

The bugle of the world famous Rath Yatra 2026 of Lord Jagannath has been sounded and lakhs of devotees are ready to gather in Puri, Odisha for darshan. Pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra is the dream of every devotee, as it is considered the easiest path to attain salvation. But do you know that the temple administration and mythological traditions have some special rules regarding pulling the chariot? If you too are going on a trip to Puri this time, then it is very important for you to know these rules so that your faith and belief can be fully fruitful. Mythological belief and tradition of pulling the chariot: According to religious texts, just by pulling the chariot of Lord Jagannath, all the sins of a person are washed away and he directly reaches Vaikuntha. When devotees touch the ropes of the Lord’s chariot (called ‘Ada Nanda’) during the Rath Yatra, they experience divine energy. According to ancient traditions, whoever joins the service of the Lord with a pure heart, without discrimination of caste or religion, is considered entitled to pull this chariot. However, it is mandatory to follow the instructions decided by the administration for the safety of the temple and to control the crowd. Pay special attention to these rules during Puri Yatra. Puri Administration and Shri Jagannath Temple Management Committee make strict security arrangements every year. To avoid jostling during the Rath Yatra, it is most important to follow the ‘route map’ prescribed by the administration. Devotees are advised not to go close to the ropes without instructions from the temple attendants and police officials. Since the crowd is extremely high, take special care with children and the elderly. Also, it is the duty of every devotee to maintain decorum while walking on the route of the chariot and take care of the sanctity of the temple premises. What to prepare before the journey: If you are participating in the 2026 Rath Yatra, then make sure to book hotels and transport well in advance, as Puri is heavily crowded during this time. Keep checking the guidelines issued by the local administration from time to time on social media or official website. Take care of your safety while pulling the chariot and try to touch or pull the chariot from designated places only. Devotees become fulfilled just by seeing Lord Jagannath and his chariot, hence follow the rules and be a part of this festival with faith.