June 27: The sacred city of Puri has come alive with spiritual fervor and devotion as the much-revered Rath Yatra 2025 begins today. This grand annual festival, celebrating the divine journey of Lord Jagannath along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, draws lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad.
The ceremonial pulling of the three majestic chariots — Nandighosa (for Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (for Goddess Subhadra) — marks the start of the Yatra from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, a journey of nearly 3 kilometers through the vibrant Grand Road (Bada Danda).
Elaborate security measures have been put in place, with over 180 CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and the deployment of more than 10,000 police personnel to ensure the safety of devotees and the smooth conduct of the festivities. The state government has also arranged medical aid centers, water distribution points, and crowd control mechanisms along the route.
This year’s Yatra holds added spiritual significance, coinciding with various astrological alignments that devotees believe will amplify the blessings of participating in or witnessing the procession. Special rituals like ‘Pahandi’ (ceremonial procession of the deities), ‘Chhera Pahanra’ (the ritual of the Gajapati King sweeping the chariot floors), and the symbolic ‘pulling of the ropes’ are being performed with traditional grandeur and devotion.
Chief Minister of Odisha and key temple authorities have appealed to the pilgrims to follow guidelines, maintain cleanliness, and cooperate with the administration to make the event a spiritual success.
For millions, Rath Yatra is not just a religious celebration — it is an emotional and cultural journey symbolizing unity, surrender, and divine love.
