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Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: The Jagannath Rath Yatra is scheduled for July 16, 2026; however, there are various rituals and preparations leading up to the procession. If you plan to participate in the Jagannath Rath Yatra, it is helpful to know the rituals observed there. Here is comprehensive information covering everything from chariot construction, the *Osar Ghar* (seclusion) period, and *Chhera Pahanra* to *Gundicha Marjan*, the commencement of the Yatra, arrival at the Gundicha Temple, *Hera Panchami*, *Bahuda Yatra* (return journey), and the final return to the main temple.

1. Construction of Chariots: Three chariots are constructed using Neem wood, without the use of any nails or metal. At the forefront is Lord Balaram's 'Taladhvaja' (red and green); in the middle is Goddess Subhadra's 'Darpadalan' (black/blue and red); and at the rear is Lord Jagannath's 'Nandighosha' (red and yellow).

2. The Lord Falls Ill: Fifteen days before the Yatra, following a ceremonial bath with 108 pitchers of water, the Lord falls ill and rests in the '*Osar Ghar*' (a secluded chamber). Upon recovering, He grants *darshan* (holy viewing) during the '*Nava Yauvana Netra Utsav*' (festival of the new youthful appearance and eyes).

3. *Chhera Pahanra* Ritual: Before the Rath Yatra begins, the Gajapati King of Puri cleans the chariot platform and the path of the procession using a golden broom.

4. *Gundicha Marjan*: A day before the Rath Yatra, devotees wash and clean the Gundicha Temple using holy water.

5. Commencement of Rath Yatra: The procession begins on *Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya* amidst the beating of drums and cymbals. The chariots are pulled in this order: first Lord Balaram's, then Goddess Subhadra's, and finally Lord Jagannath's. Those who pull the chariots are considered extremely fortunate.

6. Arrival at Gundicha Temple: The journey starts from the main temple and travels two kilometers to the temple of the aunt, 'Gundicha Maa,' where the Lord rests for seven days. Viewing the deity here is known as '*Adap-Darshan*'. 

7. Hera Panchami: On the fifth day of the festival, Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple in search of Lord Jagannath.

8. Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): On *Ashadha Dashami* (the ninth day), the chariots return to the main temple; this event is known as 'Bahuda Yatra'.

9. Temple Entry: Even after the return on the ninth day, the deities remain on the chariots. The following day, *Ekadashi*, they are ceremoniously bathed and worshipped before being reinstalled in the main temple.

Significance of pulling the Jagannath chariot:

Anyone—whether an ordinary person or a devotee—can pull these chariots. It is believed that a devotee who participates in this sacred *Ratha Yatra* earns merit equivalent to performing 100 *Yagyas* (sacrificial rituals). Devotees pull the ropes of the three chariots with reverence and in a specific order. There is an unwavering religious belief that any devotee who pulls Lord Jagannath's chariot with a sincere heart is liberated forever from the cycle of birth and death (*Samsara*).

Details of the three Jagannath chariots:
Nandighosha (Garudadhwaja): Height approx. 45 feet; 16 wheels; sacred rope named *Shankhachuda Nadi*.

Taladhwaja: Height approx. 43 feet; 14 wheels; sacred rope named *Vasuki*.
Darpadalan (Padma Rath): Height approx. 42 feet; 14 wheels; sacred rope named *Swarnachuda Nadi*.

Journey of the three chariots: The massive chariots are pulled to the 'Gundicha Temple', located 3 kilometers away. The Lord rests at the Gundicha Temple for 10 days. On the 11th day of the festival, the Lord returns to the main Jagannath Temple.

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