Hindu festival
Ratha Yatra
Also known as Jagannath Rath Yatra, Chariot Festival.
In short
Ratha Yatra is the chariot festival of Jagannath — a form of Krishna — most grand at Puri, on the second tithi of the waxing moon in Ashadha. Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra leave the temple on towering chariots pulled through the streets by thousands, so that all may have darshan.
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When is Ratha Yatra?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- Dwitiya (2nd tithi of the waxing moon) of the month of Ashadha
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Jagannath (Krishna)
The great chariot festival of Jagannath at Puri, when the deities leave the temple and ride in giant chariots pulled by devotees to the Gundicha temple.
The story of Ratha Yatra
Jagannath, 'Lord of the Universe', is worshipped at Puri as a form of Krishna. Once each year he does what no other temple deity does: he leaves his sanctum and comes out to the people, riding with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra on three immense wooden chariots.
The chariots are built anew every year and drawn by the hands of countless devotees down the grand road to the Gundicha temple. In that pulling is the festival's heart — the Lord makes himself available to everyone, of every station, who reaches for the rope.
How is Ratha Yatra celebrated?
Three towering chariots carrying Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled by thousands of devotees from the Puri temple to the Gundicha temple, amid kirtan and conch. The deities stay nine days before the return journey (Bahuda Yatra).
A mantra to mark the day
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे । हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे ॥
hare kṛṣṇa hare kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa hare hare / hare rāma hare rāma, rāma rāma hare hare
A loving call upon the names of the Divine — for remembrance, comfort, and joy.
More Hindu festivals
About Ratha Yatra
When is Ratha Yatra?
On the Shukla Dwitiya (2nd tithi of the waxing moon) of Ashadha. The exact Gregorian date is set by the panchang each year.
What happens during Jagannath Ratha Yatra?
Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra leave the Puri temple on three giant chariots pulled by devotees to the Gundicha temple, so everyone may have darshan of the Lord.
Mark Ratha Yatra with Bhagavan
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