Rath Yatra 2026 | रथयात्रा २०२६
About Rath Yatra(उत्सव माहिती)
Rath Yatra is the grand chariot festival celebrating Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. In 2026, the Rath Yatra begins on Thursday, July 16, and the return journey (Bahuda Yatra) takes place on Friday, July 24. While the primary festival takes place in Puri, Odisha, grand celebrations are organized in Maharashtra by ISKCON temples and local communities, most notably the massive chariot procession in Mumbai.
History: The festival commemorates Lord Jagannath's annual visit to his aunt's temple (Gundicha Temple). In Maharashtra, the ISKCON Rath Yatra in Mumbai has grown into a major cultural event since its inception in the 1970s, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees to pull the sacred wooden chariots.
Significance: The core message of Rath Yatra is equality and devotion. Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple sanctum onto the streets so that everyone, regardless of caste or background, can seek his blessings. Pulling the ropes of the chariot is considered highly auspicious.
Rituals & How to Celebrate
Chariot Pulling: Thousands of devotees gather to pull the grand chariots by hand.
Pahandi: The ceremonial carrying of the deities from the temple to the chariots.
Chhera Pahanra: The symbolic sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom.
Prasad Distribution: Offering special sweets and meals to all attendees.
Traditional Foods & Bhog
Papad Bhaja (crispy fried papads, a traditional Rath Yatra snack)
Jalebi (sweet, syrup-filled fried spiral batter)
Khichdi Prasad (yellow lentil and rice meal offered to the deities)
Festival Calendar
Jul16
Rath Yatra
३ आषाढ • रथयात्रा
Thu
Related Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Info
FestivalRath Yatra
Date—
DayThursday
Tithiत्रयोदशी
Marathi Date१३ पौष १९४७
Pakshaशुक्ल पक्ष
Panchang Details
Sunrise6:30 AM
Sunset5:20 PM
Nakshatraविशाखा
Yogaप्रीती
Karanaनाग