Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: The world-famous Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) will be organized at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on July 16, 2026. Devotees from across the country and abroad flock to Puri in the hundreds of thousands to witness and pull the chariots. During this festival, Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, rides three separate chariots to the Gundicha Temple—the abode of their aunt—where they stay and rest for a few days before returning. The Rath Yatra will commence on July 16 and continue until July 28. There are several significant aspects of this world-famous festival that are worth knowing. Let us explore the details associated with the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra.

1- According to the Hindu calendar, the Jagannath Rath Yatra begins annually on the *Dwitiya Tithi* (second day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of *Ashadha*. Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra, rides three separate chariots from the temple, touring the city before arriving at the Gundicha Temple. A large number of devotees participate by pulling the chariot ropes.

2- The three chariots involved in the Rath Yatra are known by distinct names. Lord Jagannath's chariot is called *Nandighosha* (or *Garuda Dhwaja*), Balaram's chariot is known as *Taladhwaja*, and Subhadra's chariot is named *Darpadalan*.

3- All three chariots are crafted from a specific type of wood. Auspicious trees are selected first, and the chariots are built using their timber. The wood used is from the Neem tree, known as *Daru*.

4- No iron nails are used in the construction of the chariots. The construction work begins on *Akshaya Tritiya*.

5- It is believed that on the fifth day of the Rath Yatra, Goddess Lakshmi becomes displeased and visits the Gundicha Temple, where she breaks a wheel of Lord Jagannath's chariot. This occurs because Lord Jagannath stays at his aunt's house for an extended period.

 6- Lord Jagannath visits His aunt's home on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month and returns from the Gundicha Temple on the tenth day of the same fortnight; this return journey is known as *Bahuda Yatra*. During this period, Lord Jagannath stays outside the temple for three days, granting *darshan* (holy viewing) to His devotees, before returning to the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

7- When Lord Jagannath enters the sanctum sanctorum, Goddess Lakshmi is already displeased; the Lord then pacifies Her, and only after her displeasure is dispelled does He enter the sanctum. This event is known as *Niladri Bije*.

8- During the *Ratha Yatra*, there is a specific stop where Lord Jagannath's chariot pauses briefly at the shrine (*Mazar*) of a Muslim devotee before proceeding further.

9- According to religious beliefs, anyone who pulls the *Ratha Yatra* chariot's rope attains liberation from sins and secures a place at the feet of Lord Sri Hari; consequently, a large number of devotees participate in pulling the chariot.

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