FestivalAshadha Shukla Dwitiya

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027

जगन्नाथ रथ यात्रा

Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra ride three giant chariots through Puri to the Gundicha temple, pulled by lakhs of devotees on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya.

Next: Monday, 5 July 2027

Quick answer

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 falls on Monday, 5 July 2027 (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya). In 2026 it fell on Thursday, 16 July 2026.

Dates follow the Delhi panchang and can shift by a day in your region, so confirm the muhurat with a local panchang.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2027 falls on Monday, 5 July. On the second day of the bright half of Ashadha, Lord Jagannath, a form of Krishna, comes out of his temple in Puri with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, and rides through the city on three giant wooden chariots pulled by lakhs of devotees. It is one of the world’s oldest and largest religious processions, and the one day in the year when the deities leave the sanctum to meet everyone, regardless of caste or creed.

Rath Yatra 2027 date

Rath Yatra 2027 is on Monday, 5 July 2027 (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya). In 2026 it fell on Thursday, 16 July. The deities stay at the Gundicha temple for about a week and return in the Bahuda Yatra.

The story of the Rath Yatra

Tradition describes the journey as Jagannath’s annual visit to the Gundicha temple, his aunt’s home and the place, legend says, where Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna, first had the deities carved. Another popular reading sees it as Krishna’s return from Dwaraka to Vrindavan, where the people who loved him most were waiting. Before the Yatra, the deities are bathed on Snana Purnima, fall “ill” and rest away from public view for about two weeks (Anasara), and reappear just before the procession.

Three new chariots are built every year from specified woods, work that begins on Akshaya Tritiya. Jagannath rides Nandighosha with 16 wheels, Balabhadra rides Taladhwaja with 14, and Subhadra rides Darpadalana with 12.

How the Rath Yatra is celebrated

Pahandi: the deities are carried from the temple to the chariots in a swaying procession, to the sound of gongs, conches and cymbals.
Chhera Pahanra: the Gajapati king of Puri sweeps the chariot floors with a golden broom, a sign that before God every person is a servant.
Pulling the chariots: devotees pull the thick ropes along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) to the Gundicha temple; touching the rope is considered a blessing.
Bahuda Yatra: the return journey about nine days later, followed by the Suna Besha, when the deities are adorned in gold.
Worldwide: Rath Yatras are held in cities across India and abroad, many by ISKCON.

The meaning of the Rath Yatra

On this day the Lord comes out to meet his people on the open street, and anyone may pull his chariot. It is a festival of welcome, equality and shared devotion. See every festival on the Hindu festival calendar.