Elaborate chariots, joyous devotees, and an atmosphere filled with faith, love, and hope – Rath Yatras in India are festivals of their kind. These processions are not your usual celebrations; they are fueled by the joyous spirits of thousands and millions of devotees. While the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is arguably the most famous, many other rath yatras take place in different parts of India. So, here’s the team unstumbled, counting down on the 11 biggest Rath Yatras in India.
11 Grandest Rath Yatra In India
Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra
There is no doubt that the Rath Yatra in Puri Jagannath Temple is the grandest of them all, earning the title of being the biggest Rath Yatra in India! The 12th-century temple, with its rich history and significance in Hindu mythology, organizes the grand procession each year, attracting millions of devotees. It is believed that participating in this Rath Yatra cleanses one’s sins and grants them freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
Route: Puri Jagannath Main Temple to Gundicha Temple
Date: June 27
Digha Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Digha Jagannath Temple was newly inaugurated in Digha, West Bengal, in April 2025. And with the inauguration of the new temple, it will be holding its very first Rath Yatra in 2025. While the rituals of the procession will be similar to those of the original temple, you can visit the temple and attend the Rath Yatra if the one in Puri feels a little too crowded for you.
Route: Starts from Digha Jagannath Temple
Date: June 27
ISKCON Chennai Rath Yatra
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The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is a major spiritual body across India and the globe that is known for organizing its own Rath Yatra in India. Many ISKCON centers across India organize their own Rath Yatras in honor of the original Puri Jagannath Yatra, with the ISKCON Chennai Rath Yatra being one of them. This will be the 45th year of ISKCON Chennai organizing its own Rath Yatra.
Route: Palavakkam ECR to ISKCON Chennai Temple
Date: June 29
Timings: 2:30 PM onwards
ISKCON Hyderabad Rath Yatra (Abids)
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The City of Pearls will also be organizing its Rath Yatra by ISKCON. The divine procession will be a treat for devotees living in and around Hyderabad as they’ll be able to get a glimpse of the procession without making it to Puri.
Route: Starts from Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao Stadium
Date: June 27
Timings: 11 AM onwards
Mahesh Rath Yatra
The Mahesh Rath Yatra is regarded as the oldest chariot procession in West Bengal, with some sources claiming it dates back to the 13th century. Additionally, it is the second oldest such procession in India, following only the Puri Jagannath Yatra. This Rath Yatra in India is conducted annually in the spiritual town of Mahesh, located in the Serampore district of West Bengal. It is estimated that around 2 to 3 lakh devotees attend the procession annually.
Route: Mahesh Jagannath Temple to Mahesh Gundicha Bari
Date: June 27
ISKCON Bangalore Rath Yatra
For the Rath Yatra celebrations in Bangalore, ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, Vasanthapura, and ISKCON Hare Krishna Dham, Whitefield will both organize their celebrations. The processions will see devotees chanting the name of Lord Jagannath and dancing ecstatically. Just like the original chariots, the chariots in the Bangalore ISKCON Rath Yatra will be ornately decorated.
Route: Prestige Technostar – Brigade Lakefront – SAP Office – KTPO Grounds.
Date: June 27
Timings: 4 PM onwards
ISKCON Kharghar X ISKCON Ambernath Rath Yatra
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The ISKCON temple in Ambernath near Mumbai is affiliated with the ISKCON temple in Kharghar. In 2025, the former will organize its grand Rath Yatra and include plenty of events for devotees, such as a lunch prasadam, maha prasadam, recital of the Sri Jagannath Katha, and others.
Route: Green City Club House to Suryoday Hall
Date: June 29
Timings: Noon onwards
Ahmedabad Jagannath Rath Yatra
The people of Ahmedabad will witness the 148th Rath Yatra celebration in the historic city in Gujarat. However, in light of the recent air crash tragedy in Ahmedabad, the Rath Yatra celebrations will skip their usual pomp and gaiety.
Route: Jamalpur Jagannath Temple – Ahmedabad Old City – Jamalpur Jagannath Temple
Date: June 27
Timings: 7 AM onwards
ISKCON Vijayawada Rath Yatra
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Also known as the Amaravati Rath Yatra, this grand procession also claims to be the biggest Rath Yatra celebration in South India. The procession will promise to be a rewarding spiritual carnival, packed with divine rituals and performances. The chariots will also be up for an exhibition from June 27 to June 29.
Route: Starts from Sitara Grounds, RTC Workshop Road, Bhavanipuram
Date: June 27
Timings: 1 PM onwards
ISKCON Attapur Rath Yatra
Not just in Abids, but the City of Pearls will also organize another Rath Yatra in Attapur, located in South Western Hyderabad. The celebration will not only include the grand procession but also other events like a maha prasadam, drama, and kirtan. If you’re in Hyderabad, you can attend either of the two celebrations, or both!
Route: ISKCON Temple Attapur to Sama Bhoopala Reddy Gardens
Date: June 29
Timings: Noon onwards
Kolkata Rath Yatra
Celebrated in West Bengal’s Kidderpore, the Kolkata Rath Yatra is a grand celebration that marks the start of the harvest season as well as the monsoon season. What’s special about this celebration in 2025 is that the chariots will be equipped with tyres originally made for Sukhoi fighter jets, including those used in Operation Sindoor. You can read more about the Kolkata Rath Yatra 2025 here.
Route: ISKCON Gangasagar Temple to Chayer Gheri
Date: June 27
Timings: 3:30 PM onwards
Summing Up
Here we have a rundown of the 10 grandest Rath Yatras in India. From the original procession in Puri to the ones in different corners of India, it is clear that the language of love and faith is universal – profoundly reflected in the different Rath Yatra celebrations across India. Which one are you most excited to attend?
