The grand Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 begins today, drawing lakhs of devotees to Puri. Authorities have issued detailed traffic advisories, route maps, and timings, while arrangements for live streaming have been made for remote devotees.
Source Image:zeebiz.
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, one of India’s most revered religious festivals, officially begins today in Puri, Odisha. The sacred procession features the grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, which will be pulled by thousands of devotees on the Bada Danda (Grand Road).
Held annually on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Ashadha month, this year’s Rath Yatra has attracted pilgrims from across India and abroad. The rituals began early morning with the ceremonial ‘Pahandi Bije’, followed by the chariot pulling in the afternoon.
  Significance of Rath Yatra:
Rath Yatra marks the only time in the year when Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, steps out of the sanctum to bless devotees. The deities travel from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days before returning on Bahuda Yatra.
The spiritual event is not just limited to Odisha but is celebrated globally, with processions organized in major cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, London, and New York.
   Rath Yatra 2025 Schedule:
-
Pahandi Bije: Morning hours (6 AM – 9 AM approx.)
-
Chhera Pahanra (sweeping ritual): Midday (12 PM – 1 PM)
-
Chariot Pulling Begins: Around 2 PM onwards
-
Expected Completion: By evening
  Traffic Advisory & Road Closures (Puri):
To manage the massive footfall, Puri administration has issued a detailed traffic and movement plan:
-
Vehicles restricted from entering Puri from midnight of the previous day
-
Parking zones arranged at designated points outside city limits
-
Emergency medical units and control centers active along the Grand Road
-
Drone surveillance and facial recognition tech deployed for crowd monitoring
  Live Streaming & Online Darshan:
For those unable to attend in person, the Rath Yatra is being live streamed on major TV channels and digital platforms, offering uninterrupted visuals of the rituals and procession.
  Key Highlights (Bullet Points):
-
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 begins in Puri today
-
Lakhs of devotees expected for the grand chariot procession
-
Roads around temple sealed; traffic diverted for security
-
Rituals include Pahandi, Chhera Pahanra, and chariot pulling
-
Live streaming available on TV and digital platforms
