The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India’s most revered and spectacular religious festivals, drawing millions of devotees to Puri, Odisha, every year. The grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra attracts pilgrims from across the world, but not everyone can travel to Puri to witness the celebrations in person. Fortunately, devotees can watch Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra live through television broadcasts and official online streaming platforms. Whether you’re in India or overseas, multiple options make it possible to experience the rituals, chariot procession, and devotional atmosphere from your home. This unstumbled guide explains where to watch Jagannath Rath Yatra live online, TV channels expected to broadcast the event, telecast timings, and tips for streaming the festival.
When Is The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra?
Jagannath Rath Yatra will be celebrated on Thursday, 16 July 2026, in the holy city of Puri, Odisha. The annual festival marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The three deities are taken from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in beautifully decorated wooden chariots. Thousands of devotees pull these massive chariots through the streets of Puri, making it one of the world’s largest religious processions. After staying at the Gundicha Temple for several days, the deities return to the main temple during the Bahuda Yatra, another important part of the festival.
Where To Watch The Jagannath Rath Yatra Live Online
1. Doordarshan
Doordarshan will exclusively telecast all the sacred rituals and the grand procession of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra live. The live broadcasts of the chariot festival will be available on DD Odia, DD National, DD Bharati, and DD Bangla. Expected coverage includes:
- Pahandi procession
- Chhera Pahara ritual
- Chariot pulling
- Devotional commentary
- Special festival programmes
The broadcast is generally available on televisions, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs.
2. Official Jagannath Temple Administration Platforms
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) regularly shares official announcements and festival updates through its digital platforms. During Rath Yatra, devotees should check the temple’s official channels for:
- Festival schedules
- Ritual updates
- Important announcements
- Live streaming information, if provided
Following official sources helps ensure you receive accurate information and avoid unofficial or misleading streams.
3. YouTube Live Streaming
YouTube is expected to be one of the easiest ways to watch the Puri Rath Yatra. Popular live streaming sources may include:
- Official Doordarshan channels
- DD Odia
- Verified devotional broadcasters
- News organisations covering the festival
Before opening a stream, check that the channel is verified or belongs to an official broadcaster to reduce the risk of misleading or low-quality streams.
4. Other Channels
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— Prameya News7 (@NEWS7Odia) July 5, 2026
A number of other regional and national news channels may also end up broadcasting the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. Channel availability may vary depending on your cable, DTH provider, or location.
What Can You Watch In The Live Telecast
Pahandi Ceremony
The Pahandi is one of the most anticipated rituals of the festival. During this ceremony, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are ceremonially carried from the temple sanctum to their respective chariots. The rhythmic movement of the deities, accompanied by devotional chants, creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chhera Pahara
The Chhera Pahara ritual is performed by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri. Using a golden broom, the king symbolically sweeps the chariots, demonstrating that everyone is equal before the Lord regardless of status or position. This centuries-old tradition is one of the defining moments of the Rath Yatra.
Pulling Of The Chariots
Millions of devotees gather to pull the three magnificent wooden chariots. They include Nandighosa — Chariot of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja — Chariot of Lord Balabhadra, and Darpadalana (Devadalana) — Chariot of Goddess Subhadra. Watching thousands of devotees pull these enormous chariots together is one of the festival’s most powerful and emotional sights.
Devotional Atmosphere
Apart from the rituals, live broadcasts also showcase Bhajans and devotional music, Temple traditions, Cultural performances, Spiritual discourses, and Crowd celebrations across Puri.
Puri Rath Yatra Live Telecast Timings
Temple rituals follow traditional customs, so exact timings may vary each year. The expected schedule is:
| Festival Event | Approximate Time |
| Live coverage begins | Morning |
| Pahandi procession | Morning hours |
| Chhera Pahara ritual | Late morning |
| Chariot pulling | Late morning to afternoon |
| Festival updates | Throughout the day |
Since temple rituals sometimes take longer than expected, viewers should tune in early to avoid missing important ceremonies.
How To Watch The Yatra Live On Mobile Phones
Watching the festival on your smartphone is simple. Follow these steps on the day of the Puri festival:
- Open YouTube or your preferred live TV streaming app.
- Search for “Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 Live” or “Puri Rath Yatra Live.”
- Select a verified broadcaster or official channel.
- Use a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
- Enable notifications if the platform allows reminders before the live broadcast begins.
How To Watch The Rath Yatra From Outside India
Devotees living abroad can also watch the celebrations online. Countries where viewers commonly access the live telecast include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the Middle Eastern countries. Most online streams are available worldwide, although availability may depend on regional broadcasting rights or platform restrictions. Check local time zone differences so you can join the live coverage at the right time.
Also Read: Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra Itinerary: Complete 2-Day And 3-Day Plans
Best Tips For Watching Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra Online
To enjoy uninterrupted streaming:
- Join the live stream a few minutes early.
- Use official or verified broadcasters.
- Keep a backup streaming option ready.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Avoid websites asking for unnecessary personal information.
- If one stream is overloaded, try another official broadcaster.
Summing Up
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra will be celebrated on 16 July in Puri, Odisha. While there will be millions of people who have traveled from far and wide to witness this phenomenon in person, there will be yet more who could not make it for one reason or another. Devotees who cannot travel can watch the festival on TV and online platforms. DD National, DD Odia, Prasar Bharati Live TV, and official digital channels are the best options. Watching the live procession will let devotees worldwide experience the rituals, chariot movement, and spiritual atmosphere of Puri.
