Hindu chariot procession of Lord Jagannath

Name: Hindu chariot procession of Lord Jagannath
Start: 2026-07-16
End: 2026-07-16
Location: Puri

The Hindu chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, popularly known as Rath Yatra, is an annual religious festival held in Puri and various other cities across India. On July 16, 2026, thousands of devotees gathered to participate in the ceremonial pulling of large wooden chariots carrying the deities Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra.

Date: Jul 16, 2026
Location: Puri

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Hindu chariot procession of Lord Jagannath

Date: Jul 16, 2026
Location: Puri

Religious Festival Hinduism Rath Yatra

Event summary

Highlights

Devotees pulling massive wooden chariots known as raths
Processions carrying the Hindu deities Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra
Large-scale public gatherings of pilgrims and religious performers
Concurrent celebrations held in major cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad

Rath Yatra is one of India's most significant Hindu festivals, centered around the ritual journey of Lord Jagannath from his temple. In Puri, the event draws massive crowds of pilgrims who line the streets to witness or assist in pulling the grand chariots. The 2026 celebration saw high levels of public participation, with devotees engaging in rituals, singing, and dancing as the procession moved through the city.

Beyond Puri, the festival is celebrated concurrently in several major Indian cities including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. During these processions, devotees perform traditional rituals on decorated streets, often accompanied by music and performances. Organizations such as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) frequently coordinate these regional events, which feature participants dressed as various Hindu deities and elaborate street decorations made of colored powder.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.