Lakhs of devotees arrive in Puri for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra; PM Modi, President extend wishes of health and happiness
Puri, Odisha | June 27, 2025 —
A spiritual wave surged through Puri as lakhs of devotees participated in the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 on Friday. The ancient temple city witnessed a vibrant mix of faith, color, and devotion as the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began their annual journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
As the sun rose, the ceremonial ritual Pahandi brought the deities out of the sanctum. Chants of “Jai Jagannath” echoed across the city, creating an atmosphere of collective devotion. The streets came alive with music, drum beats, and joyful tears as the chariots rolled forward.
A Festival That Unites Faith and Culture
Importantly, the Rath Yatra is not just a religious tradition—it’s a symbol of unity. People from all backgrounds gather in Puri, drawn by their devotion and the unique energy of the festival. Devotees believe that pulling the ropes of the chariots helps wash away sins and attract divine blessings.
“I waited my whole life for this,” said Rekha Mishra, a first-time visitor from Maharashtra. “Touching the rope felt like touching God.”
Every year, artisans rebuild the three grand chariots from sacred neem wood. The names—Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan—carry deep significance. Their bold colors and detailed designs turn the streets of Puri into a moving temple of tradition.
National Leaders Extend Greetings
Meanwhile, national leaders also joined the celebration by sending their wishes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter):
“Greetings on the special occasion of Rath Yatra. May Lord Jagannath bless everyone with happiness, good health, and prosperity.”
Likewise, President Droupadi Murmu extended her warm message:
“Rath Yatra is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of India’s vibrant spiritual legacy.”
These heartfelt wishes resonated with devotees across the country and added to the emotional weight of the day.
Smooth Crowd Management and Strong Security
Given the massive turnout, managing the crowd was no easy task. However, the Odisha government, in coordination with the temple authorities, ensured everything went smoothly.
Over 150 platoons of police patrolled the area, supported by rapid action teams. Additionally, CCTV cameras and drone surveillance helped monitor crowd movement. Volunteers handed out water, guided elderly pilgrims, and offered medical assistance.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who attended the rituals, praised the planning. “This is teamwork at its best,” he said. “We owe our gratitude to every volunteer, officer, and devotee.”
Furthermore, mobile clinics, resting tents, and help centers were set up to support the elderly and children. Despite the intense heat, the arrangements kept discomfort to a minimum.
A Global Celebration
Although Puri remains the epicenter of the Rath Yatra, the celebration now has a global footprint. ISKCON centers in London, New York, Sydney, and other major cities organized parallel processions. Devotees abroad sang bhajans, pulled symbolic chariots, and engaged in spiritual discourse.
Thanks to technology, millions who couldn’t travel watched the event live. Social media platforms and government portals offered real-time streaming, making it easy for everyone to participate from home.
A Cultural Spectacle Beyond Religion
The Rath Yatra also showcases Odisha’s rich cultural identity. Local artisans, dancers, and musicians contributed to the festive atmosphere. Colorful stalls lined the streets, offering sweets, devotional items, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Significantly, the inclusiveness of this festival makes it stand out. People of all faiths, castes, and countries are welcome. It’s this openness that turns a spiritual ritual into a global celebration of unity and peace.
What’s Next: The Bahuda Yatra
The deities will now reside at the Gundicha Temple for nine days. During this period, thousands will visit to seek blessings and witness daily rituals. The return journey, called Bahuda Yatra, is scheduled for July 5, 2025.
On the way back, the deities will stop at the Mausi Maa Temple. Here, they receive Poda Pitha, a traditional rice cake offered to Lord Jagannath. This return marks the conclusion of the Yatra and draws another massive crowd.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 reminded us of the power of faith, tradition, and community. While technology, infrastructure, and planning played crucial roles, it was the devotion of the people that brought the festival to life.
Whether you were in Puri pulling the ropes or watching from afar, this journey touched every heart. The Rath Yatra, as always, offered more than rituals—it offered hope, joy, and a moment of spiritual connection in a fast-changing world.
