Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Puri Rath Yatra will start from July 16, know its religious and mythological significance

Rath Yatra of Jagannath Temple: The world famous Rath Yatra of Jagannath Swami of Odisha is a big festival, which is carried out with great pomp. It is also called chariot festival or Shri Gundicha Yatra.

Jagannath Temple of Puri is one of the Char Dham. This year the Rath Yatra will start on 16th July i.e. Thursday, on the second date of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month. During this time the Lord sits in the chariot with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Devotees from all over the world gather to participate in this Rath Yatra.

Rath Yatra Schedule

• Start of Rath Yatra – 16 July 2026 (Thursday)
• Bahuda Yatra i.e. return – 24 July 2026 (Friday)
• Dwitiya Tithi Start – 15th July (11.50 am)
• Dwitiya Tithi ends – 16th July (8.52 am)

What is the Chhera ritual performed on the first day?

The Rath Yatra starts from the temple of Lord Jagannath and goes to the Gundicha temple. But before this the Chhera ritual is performed. It is said that since ancient times, the kings of Odisha first clean the chariot with a golden broom, which is a symbol of humility, service and dedication. Only after that the Rath Yatra starts and the devotees touch the chariot of the Lord. After this the ritual of Hera Panchami will be performed. After which the chariot will go from Gundicha temple to the main temple, which is called Bahunda. The next day the Lord will return to his temple and will be given a grand welcome there.

What is God’s chariot called?

The chariot of Lord Jagannath is called Nandighosh, which has 16 wheels. The chariot of elder brother Balabhadra is called Taladhwaja, which has 14 wheels and the chariot of sister Subhadra is called Darpadalan, which has 12 wheels. A total of 42 wheels and 21 axles have been manufactured for this. Which started on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.

Why is Rath Yatra taken out?

Its description is found in Skanda Purana. According to this, Lord Jagannath’s sister Subhadra expressed her desire to visit the city one day. Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra took him in the chariot for a tour of the city and went to their aunt Gundicha’s house. Where all three spent seven days. Since then this practice started.