The Chariot Festival of Puri, popularly known as Rath Yatra, is one of the most spectacular and spiritually significant Hindu festivals in India. Celebrated annually in the coastal town of Puri, Odisha, this grand event marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in massive wooden chariots.
Recognized globally for its scale, devotion, and centuries-old traditions, the chariot festival draws millions of pilgrims, devotees, and cultural enthusiasts from across India and around the world.
What Is the Chariot Festival
The chariot festival commemorates the annual visit of Lord Jagannath to his birthplace at Gundicha Temple. Unlike most temple rituals where deities remain inside sanctums, this festival allows devotees—regardless of caste, creed, or status—to witness and participate in pulling the divine chariots.
This inclusive aspect is one of the reasons why the chariot festival puri holds immense spiritual and social importance in Hindu tradition.
When Is the Chariot Festival Celebrated?
The Chariot Festival of Puri is observed every year during the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July), beginning on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha Dwitiya).
The festival spans several days and includes:
- Rath Yatra (main procession)
- Hera Panchami
- Bahuda Yatra (return journey)
- Suna Besha
- Niladri Bije
Bhagwan Jagannath’s Chariot Details
Name: Nandighosa / Garudadhwaja / Kapidhwaja
Colour of the chariot: Red & Yellow
Number of wheels: 16
Diameter of wheels: 7 Feet
Number of wooden pieces used: 832
Height of the chariot: 13.5 m (45 feet)
Length & breadth: 34.6 Feet
Guarded by: Garuda/Narsingha
Gatekeepers: Jay & Vijay
Name of the charioteer: Daruka
Name of the flag: Trailokya Mohini
Weapons of the chariot: Shankha & Chakra
Power of the chariot: Bimala & Biraja
Number of horses: 4
Name of the horses: Shankha, Balahaka, Shveta, Haridashva
Colour of horses: White
Name of the rope: Sankhachuda
The Face of the chariot: Nandi Mukha
Subsidiary nine deities: Varaha, Govardhana, Krishna, Narsingha, Ram, Narayana, Trivikrama, Hanuman, Rudra
Rishis: Narada, Debal, Vyasa, Suka, Parashar, Vashista, Vishwamitra, Rudra
Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, called Taladwaja, has palm trees on its flag, fourteen wheels, every seven feet in diameter, and is covered with red and blue cloth. Its height is forty feet
Balaramji’s Chariot Details
Name: Taladhwaja
Colour of the chariot: Red & Green
Number of wheels: 14
Diameter of wheels: 6.6 Feet
Number of wooden pieces used: 763
Height of the chariot: 13.2 m (44 feet)
Length & breadth: 33 Feet
Guarded by: Vasudev
Gatekeepers: Nand & Sunanda
Name of the charioteer: Matali
Name of the flag: Unnani
Weapons of the chariot: Hala & Musala
Power of the chariot: Brahma & Shiva
Number of horses: 4
Name of the horses: Tibra, Ghora, Dirghashrama, Swarnanava
Colour of horses: Black
Name of the rope: Serpent Basuki
The face of the chariot: Ketu Bhadra
Subsidiary nine deities: Ganesha, Kartikeya, Sarvamangala, Pralambari, Halayudha, Mrutyunjaya, Natamvara, Mukteshwar, Sheshadeva
Rishis: Anjira, Poulastya, Pulaha, Asasti, Krushna, Mudgal, Atreya, Kasyap
The Subhadra chariot, known as the Mirrordalana, literally treads of pride, is forty feet high with twelve wheels, every seven feet in diameter. The chariot is decorated with a covering of red and black cloth, traditionally associated with Shakti and the Mother Goddess.
Devi Subhadra’s Chariot Details
Name: Devadalana / Darpadalana / Padmadhwaja
Colour of the chariot: Red & Black
Number of wheels: 12
Diameter of wheels: 6 Feet
Number of wooden pieces used: 593
Height of the chariot: 12.9 m (43 feet)
Length & breadth: 31.6 Feet
Guarded by: Jaydurga
Gatekeepers: Ganga & Jamuna
Name of the charioteer: Arjun
Name of the flag: Naadambika
Weapons of the chariot: Bhubaneswari & Chakra
Power of the chariot: Brahma & Shiva
Number of horses: 4
Name of the horses: Rochika, Mochika, Jita, Aparajita
Colour of horses: Red
Name of the rope: Swarnachuda
The face of the chariot: Bhakti, Sumedha, Chamar & Hasta
Subsidiary nine deities: Harchandi, Chamunda, Ugratara, Vanadurga, Bhubaneswari, Jayadurga, Varahi, Sarvmangal & Bimala
Rishis: Bhrigu, Suprava, Bajra, Dhruba, Shringi & Ulluk
Ratha Yatra or Chariot Festival is the oldest festival celebrated by Hindus in Odisha. This Ratha Yatra is the oldest in India and in the world.
Around each chariot are nine Parsava deities, with wooden figures representing various deities on the sides of the chariot Each chariot is attached to four horses These are of different colors – white for Balabhadra, dark for Jagannath, and red for Subhadra Each chariot has a charioteer called Sarathi The three chariots attached to the chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are Matali, Daruka and Arjuna respectively.
This event is celebrated every year according to the Oriya calendar, falling on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadh, which is generally June or July. The Ideal time for darshan is also when it is mostly considered very conducive to climatic conditions. The Odisha festival extends for nine days, commencing from the Rath Yatra and culminating on the last day with the Bahuda Jatra.
Now, during the Bahuda Jatra, the chariot of Lord Jagannath breaks its journey near the Mausi Maa Temple (Aunt of Lord Jagannath) on its return from the Ratha Yatra festival. In connection with this ceremony, the deity is offered his favorite Poda Pitha, a baked item intended particularly for the needy. During the Ratha Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are taken out from their sacred abode to the Gundicha Temple in a grand procession.
Spiritual Significance of the Chariot Festival
The chariot festival represents:
- Equality and inclusivity in devotion
- The Lord stepping out to meet devotees
- The cyclical journey of life, death, and rebirth
- Divine accessibility beyond temple walls
According to scriptures, witnessing the chariot festival puri even once is believed to grant liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Cultural and Global Impact
The Chariot Festival has inspired similar Rath Yatras worldwide, including in:
- London
- New York
- Moscow
- Sydney
Puri’s Rath Yatra is also referenced in ancient texts and colonial travelogues, making it both a religious and historical phenomenon.
Travel Tips for Experiencing the Chariot Festival in Puri
- Arrive at least 2–3 days early due to heavy crowds
- Book accommodations months in advance
- Follow local safety guidelines
- Respect temple customs and dress modestly
- Expect long walking distances and vibrant street celebrations
Conclusion
The chariot festival is not just an event—it is a living expression of faith, culture, and devotion that transcends time. Whether you are a pilgrim, historian, or traveler, witnessing the chariot festival puri offers an experience that stays with you for a lifetime.
