Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026

Thu, 16 July 2026 · Varanasi time (IST)

1. Day 1·Thu, 16 July

   Rath Yatra

   Main day: Three massive chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple. Millions of devotees pull the ropes. Chhera Pahanra — the King sweeps the chariots with a golden broom.

   Sunrise

   5:17 am

   Sunset

   6:50 pm

   That day's panchang: Thu, 16 July

2. Day 2·Fri, 17 July

   Day 2 (Gundicha Rest)

   The deities rest at Gundicha Temple (Aunt's house). Special puja and bhog are offered. Devotees visit the temple for darshan.

   Sunrise

   5:17 am

   Sunset

   6:50 pm

   That day's panchang: Fri, 17 July

3. Day 3·Sat, 18 July

   Day 3 (Gundicha Stay)

   Deities continue their stay at Gundicha Temple. Daily rituals, aarti, and Mahaprasad preparation continue. Temple remains open for devotee visits.

   Sunrise

   5:18 am

   Sunset

   6:50 pm

   That day's panchang: Sat, 18 July

4. Day 4·Sun, 19 July

   Day 4 (Gundicha Stay)

   Celebrations continue at Gundicha Temple. Cultural programs and community feasting with Mahaprasad.

   Sunrise

   5:18 am

   Sunset

   6:49 pm

   That day's panchang: Sun, 19 July

5. Day 5·Mon, 20 July

   Hera Panchami

   Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha Temple searching for Lord Jagannath. She symbolically breaks a part of the Nandighosa chariot in anger at being left behind. A playful, beloved tradition.

   Sunrise

   5:19 am

   Sunset

   6:49 pm

   That day's panchang: Mon, 20 July

6. Day 6·Tue, 21 July

   Day 6

   Preparations begin for the return journey. Special rituals at Gundicha Temple. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings.

   Sunrise

   5:19 am

   Sunset

   6:49 pm

   That day's panchang: Tue, 21 July

7. Day 7·Wed, 22 July

   Sandhya Darshan

   Evening darshan of the deities decorated in gold ornaments (Suna Besha). One of the most sacred darshans of the entire Rath Yatra festival.

   Sunrise

   5:20 am

   Sunset

   6:48 pm

   That day's panchang: Wed, 22 July

8. Day 8·Thu, 23 July

   Day 8 (Pre-Return)

   Final day at Gundicha Temple. Farewell rituals performed. Chariots are prepared and decorated for the return procession.

   Sunrise

   5:20 am

   Sunset

   6:48 pm

   That day's panchang: Thu, 23 July

9. Day 9·Fri, 24 July

   Bahuda Yatra (Return)

   Grand return journey: The three chariots are pulled back from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple. Equally grand procession with millions participating. Deities return home to thunderous celebration.

   Sunrise

   5:21 am

   Sunset

   6:47 pm

   That day's panchang: Fri, 24 July

Tithi

Dwitiya, then Tritiya

Nakshatra

Ashlesha

Yoga

Siddhi

Karana

Kaulava

Paksha

Shukla

Masa

Ashadha

Tithi

DwitiyaFrom 15 July, 11:51 amUntil 16 July, 8:53 amThen Tritiya · until 17 July, 6:28 am

Nakshatra

AshleshaFrom 15 July, 9:46 pmUntil 16 July, 7:52 pm

Three massive chariots carrying Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees. The English word 'juggernaut' derives from Jagannath.

Rituals

Pull the chariots with devotion. Cook Mahaprasad at the Jagannath Temple. Perform Chhera Pahanra (sweeping of chariots by the King). The return journey (Bahuda Yatra) happens on Day 9.