In the sacred town of Puri, Odisha, where devotion flows as ceaselessly as the waves of the Bay of Bengal, the Ulto Rath Yatra 2025 – also known as Bahuda Yatra – will once again mark a divine homecoming unlike any other.
This spiritual spectacle unfolds on the Grand Road (Bada Danda), as Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, returns to his original abode after a week-long stay at the Gundicha Temple.
For devotees, it’s not just the return journey – it’s a reaffirmation of faith, inclusivity, and divine love that transcends all earthly boundaries.
When is Ulto Rath Yatra 2025?
One of the most common questions among pilgrims and festival enthusiasts is: What is the Ulto Rath Yatra 2025 date?
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Ulto Rath Yatra is observed on the Dashami Tithi (10th day) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Ashadha month.
This year, it falls on Friday, 4th July 2025. It comes exactly eight days after the outward procession of the deities during the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, which begins on Friday, 27th June 2025.
This date has been corroborated by the Puri Temple Administration, astrologers, and Hindu Panchang publications. Ulto Rath Yatra 2025 is on 4th July, and Suna Besha and Niladri Bijay rituals will take place on 5th July 2025.
A Brief Look at The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also called the Chariot Festival, is one of the most ancient and revered processions in the Hindu calendar.
Held annually in Puri, Odisha, it celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings from their temple to their maternal aunt’s home – the Gundicha Temple.
Thousands of devotees pull the majestic chariots, chanting Lord Jagannath’s name, seeking his darshan.
Names of The Rathas (Chariots):
Each deity rides in a specific, vibrantly decorated wooden chariot:
- Nandighosha – Lord Jagannath’s chariot with 16 wheels
- Taladhwaja – Lord Balabhadra’s chariot with 14 wheels
- Darpadalan – Goddess Subhadra’s chariot with 12 wheels
These chariots are constructed anew each year by traditional carpenters using sacred neem wood and age-old techniques passed down for generations.
What Happens During Ulto Rath Yatra?
After spending nine days at Gundicha Temple, the deities embark on their return journey – Bahuda Yatra, popularly known as Ulto Rath Yatra.
This marks the symbolic return of Lord Jagannath to his abode, passing through the same Grand Road amidst fervent chants, drums, and flower petals raining from rooftops.
On their way back, the chariots briefly stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, where the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a special rice cake delicacy said to be Lord Jagannath’s favorite.
This culinary offering highlights the familial bond between the deities and their aunt, making the entire journey feel intimate and human despite its divine scale.
Suna Besha and Niladri Bijay – The Grand Finale
The day following Ulto Rath Yatra, Suna Besha (Golden Adornment) is observed on 5th July 2025. On this day, the deities are decked in gold ornaments and regal attire, offering one of the most magnificent darshans to devotees.
Later in the evening, the Niladri Bijay ceremony takes place. This marks the actual re-entry of the deities into the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple.
According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi playfully blocks Lord Jagannath’s entrance in protest of being left behind during Rath Yatra. After a symbolic negotiation, she finally allows him to re-enter.
Why Rath Yatra Is Celebrated
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than a religious ritual; it’s a spiritual metaphor for human life, divine compassion, and equality.
- It reminds us that even the most revered deity steps out of his grand abode to meet his devotees on the streets — symbolizing humility.
- It offers temple access to everyone, especially those who traditionally cannot enter – highlighting inclusivity and universal acceptance.
- Mythologically, it mirrors Lord Krishna’s journey from Vrindavan to Mathura, or his visits to his devotees, making it deeply personal and emotionally stirring for believers.
Crowd Control & Preparations in 2025
Given the massive footfall expected during Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025, the Odisha government has already begun implementing security protocols:
- Over 10,000 personnel will be deployed across Puri, along with CCTV surveillance, emergency health camps, and crowd control barriers.
- Drone cameras and real-time crowd monitoring systems will ensure safety, especially around Gundicha Temple and during Bahuda Yatra.
In recent years, the state has also emphasized eco-friendly waste management, given the environmental strain caused by the influx of visitors.
Ulto Rath Yatra Beyond Puri
The spirit of Ulto Rath Yatra 2025 isn’t confined to Odisha. Across India and the globe, ISKCON temples and local communities hold their own celebrations.
From Ahmedabad’s Jagannath Temple to New York’s Fifth Avenue, from Kolkata’s Mahesh Yatra to London’s Trafalgar Square, this ancient tradition has truly become global.
Summing Up
The Ulto Rath Yatra 2025, to be celebrated on 4th July, is not just a festival – it is a divine narrative etched in wood, music, devotion, and motion.
It is about the Lord coming closer to the people, listening to their songs, tasting their food, and allowing them to serve by pulling his chariot.
It is a moving temple, a metaphorical journey, and above all, a reminder that the divine walks with us, not above us. As the deities return to their holy abode in Puri, may their journey inspire yours – to humility, to faith, and to deeper human connection.
