The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is a well-known religious event in Odisha, but the inauguration of the Digha Jagannath Temple offers a new alternative for those looking to seek blessings from the original Puri Jagannath Temple.
This temple is an exact replica of the one in Puri and has become a focal point of political debate. Nevertheless, this has not deterred devotees; in fact, during the Rath Yatra in 2025, the number of visitors is expected to rise significantly.
If you are planning to visit the temple, here’s what you need to know!
Digha Travel Guide During Rath Yatra: How To Reach, Attractions, And Travel Tips
Important Details Of The Digha Jagannath Temple
Address: New Digha, Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal
Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Morning Aarti – 6:30 AM; Evening Aarti – 6:30 PM
Digha Jagannath Temple: Rath Yatra 2025
Digha Jagannath Temple was inaugurated on April 30, 2025, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The temple aims to be a milestone project in the state – a spiritual destination similar in stature to Odisha’s iconic Puri Jagannath Temple.
The West Bengal Government, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, is set to host a grand Rath Yatra in the Digha Jagannath Temple in 2025.
This ceremony will take place on June 27 and is meant to be an alternative to those looking to attend the original Puri Jagannath Yatra minus the excessive crowd. The Puri Jagannath Yatra will occur from June 27 to July 7, promising an extravagant celebration.
The Digha Jagannath Rath Yatra will likely see the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee flag off the inauguration ceremony. The Rath Yatra will begin from the Digha Jagannath Temple premises and will cover a distance of about 1 km.
All other rituals and ceremonies will be the same as the ones in the original Puri Rath Yatra. These include key ceremonies like the Snana Purnima (ceremonial bath), Anavasara (closing of the temple), and Sandhya Darshan (evening viewing ritual) among others.
So, if you are skeptical about participating in the Puri Rath Yatra due to its excessive crowd, the Digha Jagannath Temple’s Rath Yatra is a comparatively less-crowded experience.
How To Reach Digha Jagannath Temple
Air Route
The fastest way to reach the temple is by flying to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
The airport is located about 191 kilometers (km) from the temple and is well-connected to other major airports in the country.
You can take a bus or a taxi from the airport to the temple, which takes about four hours.
Rail Route
The Digha Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the temple, located just 2-3 kilometers away. Although it is not a major station in West Bengal, many trains stop here. From the railway station, you can easily find a cab or a rickshaw to reach the temple.
Road Route
New Digha is well connected to other major cities and towns in West Bengal as well as cities and towns outside the state. You can get cabs and buses or self-drive from within the state to reach New Digha.
Moreover, the West Bengal government has launched plenty of bus services from various districts to ensure a convenient, hassle-free, and sustainable transport method for thousands of devotees.
Digha Travel Guide During Rath Yatra: Must-Visit Attractions
Digha is a small coastal town situated along the Bay of Bengal – a town known for its stunning beaches, laidback lifestyle, and the newly-inaugurated Digha Jagannath Temple. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in and around Digha:
New Digha and Old Digha Beaches: These two beaches are just 10 to 15 minutes away from each other and are arguably some of the most iconic places here. These beaches, with their pristine sandy vistas and the foaming sea waters, make for amazing sunset views and a leisurely stroll at any time of the day.
Amrabati Park: This park, situated close to the New Digha Beach, is a delightful place to soak in the greenery of Digha. With its well-paved walkways, plenty of trees, shaded promenades, and a lake, Amrabati Park is a great place to unwind in this coastal town.
Digha Mohona Watch Point: This watch point is situated on the confluence of the Champa River and the Bay of Bengal and trust us, the views here are simply breathtaking! This watch point offers stunning views of the sunset but beyond that, it also doubles as a bustling spot for buying fish.
Travel Tips: Digha Travel Guide During Rath Yatra
- June and July are months when West Bengal experiences significant rainfall. Therefore, it’s essential to carry umbrellas, raincoats, and other gear to protect yourself from the rain and the cold.
- If you plan to fly to the temple, make sure to book your flights to Kolkata at least one or two months in advance. You can use platforms like SkyScanner, Ixigo, MakeMyTrip, and Agoda to find exclusive and affordable flight deals.
- Opt for public transportation, such as buses and trains, to reach and explore New Digha. Most roads leading to the temple are likely to experience heavy traffic, making it inconvenient to drive your own vehicle.
- Book your accommodation near the temple as early as possible. As the date of the ceremony approaches, hotels around the temple and in neighboring towns are likely to increase their rates. To avoid high tariffs, secure your hotel reservations in advance.
- Avoid crowded areas during the procession. If you find yourself in a crowd, stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re traveling alone or are a female traveler, consider sharing your live location with close friends for safety.
You May Like Also: Rath Yatra In Kolkata – Complete Guide To The Grand Festival
Summing Up
We hope that this Digha travel guide during Rath Yatra is helpful to you when on a weekend trip to Digha. With the Digha Jagannath Rath Yatra set to take place in June and July, the town will witness thousands of devotees flocking to the newly-inaugurated temple.
When are you planning to visit the town and the temple here?
FAQs
What Is The Cost Of Jagannath Temple Digha?
The Jagannath Temple in Digha has been reportedly constructed at a cost of INR 250 crore! It has been made as an exact replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple situated in Odisha.
In Which Month Jagannath Puri Is Closed?
Jagannath Puri is closed for a few days in June and July. After the Snana Purnima ceremony, it is believed that the deities ‘catch cold’. In order to allow the deities to rest and recover from the cold, the temple remains shut for about 15 days.
What Time Is Aarti In Digha Jagannath Temple?
Aarti in the Digha Jagannath Temple takes place twice a day. The morning aarti takes place at around 6:30 AM while the evening aarti takes place around 6:30 PM.
