Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023 Date — Tuesday, June 20, 2023

About Jagannath Rath Yatra

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of Hinduism’s most famous chariot festivals, centered on the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Lord Jagannath, with Balabhadra and Subhadra, is taken out of the temple on towering wooden chariots and pulled by devotees toward the Gundicha Temple. The yatra falls in the bright fortnight of Ashadha (usually June–July). Cities and ISKCON centers worldwide hold parallel processions, kirtan, and mahaprasad distribution. For devotees, the festival is about access: the Lord comes into the streets so everyone can take darshan.

How to observe

On the day of Rath Yatra, many families visit a Jagannath temple early for darshan, join chariot pulling if a local yatra is organized, and sing bhajans or Jagannath ashtakam. Offering or receiving mahaprasad (often rice-based khichdi and sweets) is considered highly auspicious. If you cannot travel to Puri, follow a local temple schedule — confirm chariot start time and return (Bahuda) yatra dates with the temple office, since city calendars can differ by a day.

Rath Yatra is also searched as Rathyatra, Ratha Yatra, and Jagannath Yatra. The English date on this page is computed for a reference Indian city calendar; always confirm the local temple announcement for your city.

Why we celebrate

Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra leave the Puri temple on towering chariots for Gundicha — a cosmic journey of the Lord among devotees. Rath Yatra (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya) is one of Hinduism’s great public festivals, celebrated in Puri and worldwide.

Regional notes

Puri remains the spiritual center. Large processions also run in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, and diaspora cities. Always follow local temple security and chariot schedules.

How it is celebrated

Devotees pull the chariots, sing kirtan, and take mahaprasad. ISKCON and local Jagannath temples host parallel yatras. Bahuda Yatra marks the return procession days later.

Puja timing

Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya; seek darshan before the chariots leave. Confirm local chariot start time with your temple.

Foods & offerings

Mahaprasad — especially Puri-style khichdi, kheer, and temple sweets shared as prasad.

Rituals

1. Pull the chariot with devotion (or support the yatra if you cannot pull).
2. Sing Jagannath kirtan and offer flowers or cloth to the rath where allowed.
3. Partake mahaprasad and give dana in Jagannath’s name.

Jagannath Rath Yatra dates by year