Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: From Rath Yatra to Niladri BJ, know the 9 days of Jagannath Rath Yatra

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Jagannath Rath Yatra will last from 16th July 2026 to 24th July. Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a festival, but gives the message that God himself comes among his devotees. The most important mention of the tradition of Rath Yatra of Puri is in Skanda Purana. Utkal Khand Get in.

It describes the virtue of visiting Gundicha temple, chariot riding and darshan of Lord Jagannath. It is also said that the devotee who gets the privilege of seeing the Lord’s chariot or pulling the chariot gets great virtue. If you are also going to participate in the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, then know here the complete schedule of the 10-day festival, what traditions are followed during the Rath Yatra.

Why does Rath Yatra start only on Dwitiya Tithi?

According to Muhurta Shastra, Shukla Paksha is considered more favorable for worship and auspicious rituals. At the same time, Dwitiya Tithi is also counted among the auspicious dates for journey, auspicious work and inauguration. For this reason, Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is organized on Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya.

How is the schedule of Jagannath Rath Yatra made?

The schedule of Jagannath Rath Yatra is made according to the Vedic calendar, ancient policies (neeti) of the temple, Agamic traditions and religious texts. The time of each ritual is linked to a particular date, all these festivals are conducted as per the Odia calendar (Panji) and the policies of Sri Mandir.

jagannath rath yatra 2026 schedule

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Nabjouban Darshan

On this day, Lord Jagannath appears to the devotees for the first time after staying in solitude after Snan Purnima. This is called Nabjauban Darshan. Before the start of the Rath Yatra, seeing the youthful form of the Lord is considered to have special significance.

16 July 2026 Thursday – Grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath

The world famous Puri Rath Yatra begins on the auspicious occasion of Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya. Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra ride on their respective grand chariots and proceed from Srimandir towards Gundicha temple. This year, Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya Tithi will start from 11:50 am on July 15 and will continue till 8:52 am on July 16.

20 July 2026 Monday – Hera Panchami

After reaching Gundicha temple, Lord Jagannath remains there for a few days. During this time, on the occasion of Hera Panchami, Mata Lakshmi reaches Gundicha Temple from Sri Mandir. This ritual is considered a symbol of the divine union of Lord Jagannath and Mother Lakshmi.

23 July 2026 Thursday – Evening Darshan

On this day, there is an opportunity to have a special darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra in the Gundicha temple in the evening. A large number of devotees come for this divine darshan.

Friday, July 24, 2026 – Bahuda Yatra

After completing their stay at Gundicha temple, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra begins. This is called Bahuda Yatra. Pulling the three chariots, the devotees bring them back to Shri Jagannath temple.

25 July 2026 Saturday – Suna Besha

After the Bahuda Yatra, the three deities are decorated with gold ornaments on their chariots. This grand adornment is called Suna Besha (Sunabesha). This is one of the most attractive and popular rituals of Rath Yatra.

Sunday, July 26, 2026 – Adhaar Pana

On this day, a special type of traditional sweet drink Adhar Pana is offered to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. There is a religious belief that this Prasad is dedicated to the divine powers and councilors seated on the chariots.

27 July 2026 Monday – Niladri BJ

The last and most important ritual of the Rath Yatra is Neeladri Bije. On this day, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra once again sit on the Ratna throne located in the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Jagannath temple with rituals. With this ritual, the world famous Rath Yatra of Puri formally ends.

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