Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: The Complete Timeline Of The Grand Festival

Snana Yatra (Bathing Festival): Held on the full moon day of Jyeshtha (June). Deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra bathed with 108 pitchers of water from the Suna Kua. They wear elephant costumes (Gajanana Vesha).

Anasara (Anavasara) Period: Lasts 15 days after the Snana Yatra, the deities are secluded in the Anasara Ghar and are not visible to devotees. This period is spent in convalescence, and special herbal medicines are applied to the deities.

Netrotsava & Nava Jaubana Darshana: Day before Rath Yatra. Deities receive new paint; eyes are opened symbolically (Netrotsava). Devotees see rejuvenated deities (Nava Jaubana Darshana).

Gundicha Yatra (Rath Yatra): On the second day of Ashadha (June–July). Deities on chariots to Gundicha Temple, 3 km away.

Chhera Pahara: The Gajapati King sweeps chariot platforms with a golden broom, symbolising humility and equality among devotees.

Stay at Gundicha Temple: Deities stay for seven days and are offered special rituals and worship, symbolising their visit to their birthplace.

Hera Panchami: Five days after the Rath Yatra. Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha Temple, which marks her slight annoyance.

Sandhya Darshan (Suna Besha): 10th day after Rath Yatra. Deities adorned in gold ornaments, special worship.

Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey): On the ninth day after the Rath Yatra, the deities return to the main Jagannath Temple in a grand procession, just as elaborate as the departure. This return journey is celebrated with equal

Aadhar Pana: Evening of the return journey. A sweet drink offered to deities, and pitchers were ceremoniously broken.

Niladri Bije: Day after the Bahuda Yatra, deities re-enter Jagannath Temple and offer Rasagola to Goddess Lakshmi for forgiveness.

Key Rituals and Celebrations:

Ratha Pratishta: Consecration of the chariots before the yatra, ensuring they are ready for the journey.

Maha Snana: A grand purification bath for the deities after their stay at the Gundicha Temple.

Pahandi Bije: A processional walk of the deities from the sanctum to the chariots, accompanied by music and chants.