Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra Begins In Puri Amid Tight Security And Devotee Rush

Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra
Lakhs gather to witness the grand chariot procession; festival celebrated across India and globally

Puri, Odisha | June 27, 2025 — The coastal town of Puri witnessed a massive influx of devotees on Friday as the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced with full traditional fervour and spiritual grandeur. Accompanied by his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, Lord Jagannath embarked on his nine-day journey to the Gundicha Temple, marking one of the most significant events in the Hindu calendar.

As the sacred rituals began early in the morning, the deities were ceremoniously brought out of the Jagannath Temple in the Pahandi procession. Amid chants of “Jai Jagannath,” drum beats, conch shells, and spiritual hymns, lakhs of devotees thronged the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to catch a glimpse of the deities and to participate in the auspicious pulling of the massive wooden chariots.

This year’s Rath Yatra comes just weeks after the Indian Air Force’s Operation Sindoor, with enhanced security arrangements in place. Over 180 platoons of police, special forces, drones, and surveillance teams have been deployed to ensure safety during the celebration.

Each deity rides a specially constructed chariot:

Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath
Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra
Darpadalana for Goddess Subhadra

The chariots are pulled by thousands of volunteers in what is considered an act of supreme devotion. The journey leads the deities to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be the Lord’s birthplace, where they will stay for nine days before returning in the Bahuda Yatra.

Apart from Puri, Rath Yatra celebrations were held in several major Indian cities including Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, and internationally in countries such as the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and more, organized largely by ISKCON chapters.

President of India, Prime Minister, and other political leaders extended their greetings on the occasion, wishing peace and prosperity to the nation. In his message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The divine journey of Lord Jagannath inspires us to walk the path of humility, service, and righteousness.”

Authorities have urged devotees to follow safety guidelines, and special arrangements have been made for water, medical assistance, and public transport to accommodate the massive crowds.

The Rath Yatra, which dates back centuries, continues to draw people from all walks of life, reaffirming Lord Jagannath’s universal message — that the divine belongs to everyone.

Highlights :

Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra began today in Puri, Odisha, with lakhs of devotees in attendance.
Deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra began their nine-day journey to Gundicha Temple.
Massive wooden chariots pulled by devotees on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) amid chants and rituals.
Tight security arrangements in place; over 180 police platoons deployed in Puri.
Rath Yatra also celebrated in major Indian cities and globally, including New York, London, and Sydney.
President and Prime Minister extended greetings, emphasizing unity and devotion.