Puri Rath Yatra 2026 Schedule: Lord Jagannath's world-famous Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) is held annually in Puri, Odisha. Lakhs of devotees flock to this event to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. It is believed that participating in this Yatra alleviates life's sorrows and leads to *Moksha* (salvation) through the grace of Lord Jagannath. This year, the Rath Yatra is set to commence on Thursday, July 16. If you wish to participate and seek Lord Jagannath's blessings, you should be aware of the full schedule: when the Yatra begins, its duration, the specific rituals performed on each day, and when Lord Jagannath returns to the sanctum sanctorum after completing the journey. Let us look at the complete schedule for the Puri Rath Yatra.

Puri Rath Yatra 2026: Complete Schedule
July 15, Wednesday: Nabajaubana Darshan
On this day, Lord Jagannath emerges from his period of seclusion (*Ekantavasa*), and the public gets its first glimpse of the deity before the Rath Yatra begins.

July 16, Thursday: Commencement of Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra begins on *Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya*. The process of pulling the three chariots—carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra—to the Gundicha Temple commences. The *Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya* *tithi* (lunar day) spans from 11:50 AM on July 15 to 08:52 AM on July 16.

July 20, Monday: Hera Panchami
Lord Jagannath, along with his brother and sister, arrives at the Gundicha Temple (considered the home of their aunt) and rests there. On *Hera Panchami*, Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple.

July 23, Thursday: Sandhya Darshan
Devotees can view Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra at the Gundicha Temple during the evening hours.

July 24, Friday: Bahuda Yatra
On this day, the return journey (*Ulti Yatra*) from the Gundicha Temple begins. The three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled to the main temple in Puri.

July 25, Saturday: Suna Besha
Once the three chariots reach the Jagannath Temple, the 'Suna Besha' ritual is performed. During this ceremony, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are adorned with gold ornaments.

July 26, Sunday: Adhara Pana
In this ritual, Lord Jagannath and his siblings are offered a sweet drink.

July 27, Monday: Niladri Bije
Niladri Bije is the final ritual of the Rath Yatra. During this ceremony, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are ceremoniously seated upon the 'Ratna Simhasana' (Gem-studded Throne) in the sanctum sanctorum of the main Srimandir. This marks the conclusion of the Rath Yatra.

PC Social Media