Jagannath Rath Yatra for the first timers

Jagannath Rath Yatra festival, one of the biggest Hindu festivals in India, is that time of the year when the whole town of Puri, Odisha, comes to life. Millions of devotees of Lord Krishna come to attend this festival, to pull the rath (chariot), which is considered as an act of devotion and cleansing of sins.

The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra. Jagannath Rath Yatra will be celebrated on July 1, 2022.


The Rath Yatra signifies the journey of Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna) from Gokul to Mathura. The devotees believe that whoever pulls the rath will be blessed with good fortune and will get their wishes fulfilled.

The festival is a major annual event in Odisha. It is a grand celebration where the three idols are bathed and dressed and taken from Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha temple. The decorated chariots, sound of millions of devotees chanting and the blowing of conches, all these are unforgettable experiences one can have at the festival.


Rath Yatra trivia for the first timers:The ceremony where the three idols are bathed with 108 buckets of water is called Snana Purnima. And that’s not the only thing, before the main procession, the idols go through a ceremony, called Ansara, where they are kept in isolation as they are believed to be unwell!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people were not allowed to participate in the Rath Yatra in 2020 and 2021. Devotees are not sure whether they will be allowed or not to take part in the festival this year. The state government is yet to make its final decision. It will depend on the state’s COVID-19 situation.

1. Will there be a Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2022?
   The authorities will take a closer look at the COVID-19 situation in the state and will make the final decision whether or not to hold the festival.
2. When is Jagannath Rath Yatra festival?
   The Jagannath Rath Yatra festival will be held on July 1, 2022 in Puri, Odisha.
3. How many days is the Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrated for?
   Jagannath Rath Yatra is a nine-day festival, attended by millions of devotees.