Chariots of Lord Jagannath resume journey to Gundicha Temple in Puri

Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, restarted July 17, 2026, with millions pulling Lord Jagannath's chariots. Ritual delays pushed the procession a day late, but celebrations flourished amid chants and dancing despite rain.

BRIC Team

Jul 17, 2026 · 1 min read · 10 views

Chariots of Lord Jagannath resume journey to Gundicha Temple in Puri

Key Takeaways

•The Rath Yatra festival in Puri resumed on July 17, 2026, after a delay left deities on their chariots overnight, 2.6 kilometers from their destination.
•Attendance at the festival was estimated between 8 to 12 lakh devotees, showcasing the event's immense popularity.
•Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb noted that delays in the chariot pulling are not uncommon, often requiring continuation the next day.
•Lord Balabhadra's chariot moved only 700 meters on Thursday, while Devi Subhadra's and Lord Jagannath's chariots made even less progress.
•The ceremonial 'Chhera Pahanra' was conducted by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb before the procession began, emphasizing the festival's rich traditions.

Rath Yatra festival in Puri,Odisha,kicked off again Friday,July 17,2026. Chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings finally rolled to the Gundicha Temple after a delay left them parked overnight, around 2.6 km shy of their stop.

Millions of devotees crowded to pull the chariots, chanting 'Jay Jagannath.' The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) pegged the crowd at 10 to 12 lakh, while the Chief Minister's Office said 8 to 9 lakh.

Thursday's chariot pulling was stalled due to a lag in the 'Pahandi' rituals,which got pushed back over an hour. Arabinda Padhee, SJTA chief,explained Lord Jagannath's idol stayed put for about 40 minutes at the main gate, causing the holdup. Weather wasn't helping,but all rituals wrapped up on time,though idol movement lagged.

Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb,Lord Jagannath's first servitor,said in a video message that such delays aren't rare. Processions often spill into the next day when needed. Chariots barely moved Thursday — Lord Balabhadra's 'Taladhwaja' halted after 700 meters,Devi Subhadra's 'Darpadalana' stopped after 400 meters, and Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha just budged.

Friday,rain let up, and the atmosphere buzzed. Devotees danced down Grand Road,where rainwater drainage helped procession. The 'Tahika' floral crown was ditched due to rain-soaked weight during 'Pahandi.'

Rath Yatra's a big deal on the Odia calendar,happening on 'Ashadha Shukla Tithi's second day. Only time sibling deities leave the 'Ratna Sinhasana,' their bejeweled temple throne. Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb performed 'Chhera Pahanra,' sweeping chariots before they set off.

Padhee confirmed deities would stay on chariots overnight,with their Gundicha Temple entry set for Saturday,July 18, 2026 . Cymbals, trumpets,and conch shells filled the air, as thousands watched,showing unwavering devotion despite weather woes.

#Odisha