Identifying the Chariots for Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri is set to commence on Thursday, July 16. Every year, on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month, Lord Jagannath sets out on a procession through the city accompanied by his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Three massive chariots are constructed for Lord Jagannath and his siblings; riding these, they travel to the Gundicha Temple and subsequently return to their own temple. Devotees from across the country and the world gather to participate in this event.

The chariots are pulled using thick ropes. People consider themselves blessed to take part in this divine service, believing that Lord Jagannath's grace leads to a fulfilled life. Amidst the crowd of hundreds of thousands, the three chariots are visible from a distance; however, not everyone can distinguish which chariot carries Lord Jagannath and which ones carry his siblings. Specific signs on the chariots help identify them; only those familiar with these signs can recognize which chariot Lord Jagannath is riding.

Identify Lord Jagannath's Chariot by its Colors and Distinctive Flag
Lord Jagannath's chariot is red and yellow, featuring the fluttering 'Trilokyamohini' flag and an emblem of Lord Hanuman. It has 16 wheels and is the largest of the three chariots. Named 'Nandighosha', it is also known as 'Garudadhwaja'. Lord Jagannath rides this massive chariot to the Gundicha Temple, the home of his aunt. One can recognize that Lord Jagannath is aboard simply by spotting the red and yellow chariot from afar.

Lord Balabhadra's Chariot is Red and Green
The chariot of Lord Jagannath's brother, Balabhadra, is red and green. It is slightly smaller than Lord Jagannath's chariot and has 14 wheels. Known as 'Taladhwaja', it bears the 'Unani' flag, which features the symbol of a palm tree. The Smallest Chariot: Goddess Subhadra's

In this Rath Yatra, the chariot of Lord Jagannath's sister, Subhadra, is the smallest of the three. This chariot is red and black and features 12 wheels. Her chariot is named 'Darpadalan'. It flies the 'Nadambika' flag, which bears the symbol of a lotus.
You can now identify the three chariots participating in the Jagannath Rath Yatra from a distance based on their colors. If you attend the Jagannath Rath Yatra but are unable to reach Lord Jagannath's chariot, you can still seek blessings by viewing it from afar.

What is the schedule for the Rath Yatra?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra will begin on July 16. The three chariots will be pulled to the Gundicha Temple. Then, on Friday, July 24, the 'Bahuda Yatra'—or the return journey—will commence; during this event, the three chariots will be pulled back to the Jagannath Temple. The Rath Yatra will conclude on Monday, July 27, with the 'Niladri Bije' ritual.

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