Where will you be when the first conch sounds and the doors of the Shree Jagannath Temple open for the grand journey?
On 16 July 2026, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra will leave the temple and travel to the Gundicha Temple in three magnificent chariots. Before the wheels start turning, a series of sacred aartis, pujas, and ceremonies will take place.
If you are planning to follow Rath Yatra 2026 from home, this guide brings together the expected ritual timings, chariot details, journey route, festival dates and arrangements for devotees.
Rath Yatra 2026: Important Details
The procession allows people to receive the darshan of the deities outside the temple as the chariots travel through Puri.
| Detail | Information |
| Main Rath Yatra date | Thursday, 16 July 2026 |
| Hindu calendar date | Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya |
| Starting point | Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri |
| Destination | Gundicha Temple |
| Route | Bada Danda or Grand Road |
| Approximate distance | 3 kilometres |
| Deities travelling | Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra |
| Return journey | Bahuda Yatra on 24 July 2026 |
| Completion of celebrations | Niladri Bije on 27 July 2026 |
Ready to see the streets fill with chants, colours and devotion? Come and follow the festival coverage live on TV and online on Zee 5.
Aarti and Puja Timings for Rath Yatra 2026
The following table provides the expected sequence and viewing window for the main rituals on 16 July. Temple timings may change if an earlier ceremony requires additional time, so viewers should also follow same-day official announcements.
| Expected Time | Aarti, Puja or Ritual | What Happens |
| Before 6:00 AM | Dwaraphita and Mangala Alati | The temple doors are opened, and the first aarti begins the festival day. |
| 6:00 AM–9:00 AM | Morning rituals and Ratha Pratishtha | The deities are prepared while priests consecrate the chariots. |
| Around 9:30 AM–12:30 PM | Pahandi Bije | The deities are ceremonially carried from the temple to their respective chariots. |
| Around 12:30 PM–2:30 PM | Chariot seating and preparations | The deities are placed on the chariots, and the required services are completed. |
| Around 2:30 PM–3:00 PM | Chhera Pahanra | The Gajapati King cleanses the chariot platforms with a ceremonial gold-handled broom. |
| Around 4:00 PM onwards | Chariot pulling | The chariots begin to move along the Grand Road towards the Gundicha Temple. |
Pahandi is one of the most emotional parts of the celebration. The deities move forward in a rhythmic, swaying manner amid the sound of cymbals, conches, drums and chants.
Want to experience the moment when morning prayers lead into the magnificent Pahandi procession? Come and watch spiritual celebrations live on Zee 5.
Which Chariot Will Move First?
The three chariots follow a fixed ceremonial order. Each one is newly constructed and decorated according to its traditional colour scheme.
| Journey Order | Deity | Chariot | Wheels | Canopy Colours |
| 1 | Balabhadra | Taladhwaja | 14 | Red and green |
| 2 | Subhadra | Darpadalan | 12 | Red and black |
| 3 | Lord Jagannath | Nandighosa | 16 | Red and yellow |
Taladhwaja begins the journey first, followed by Darpadalana. The most eagerly awaited moment arrives when Nandighosa, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, starts moving.
The progress of the chariots depends on ritual completion, crowd movement, weather and the availability of daylight. If the journey cannot be safely completed, movement continues in accordance with directions issued by the temple administration.
When the ropes pull, and the enormous wheels turn, every devotee becomes part of the story. Come and experience the journey through live TV streaming on Zee 5.
What Is the Rath Yatra 2026 Journey Route?
The procession begins near the Singhadwara of the Shree Jagannath Temple. From there, the chariots travel along Bada Danda, the Grand Road connecting the main temple with Gundicha Temple.
During the journey, the chariots traditionally pause near the samadhi of Salabega, the celebrated devotee and Odia poet whose bhajans remain an important part of Jagannath culture.
The deities remain at Gundicha Temple before beginning Bahuda Yatra, their return journey to the Shree Jagannath Temple.
From the Singhadwara to Gundicha Temple, every part of the route carries a sacred memory. Come and follow the procession through Indian live TV channels on Zee 5.
Complete Rath Yatra 2026 Festival Calendar
The journey includes several important rituals after the first day of chariot pulling.
| Date | Festival or Ritual | What Happens |
| 16 July 2026 | Rath Yatra | The deities begin their journey from the main temple to Gundicha Temple. |
| 20 July 2026 | Hera Panchami | Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha Temple after Lord Jagannath leaves without her. |
| 22 July 2026 | Sandhya Darshan | Devotees receive the evening darshan of the deities at Gundicha Temple. |
| 24 July 2026 | Bahuda Yatra | The three chariots begin their return journey. |
| 25 July 2026 | Suna Besha | The deities appear adorned with magnificent golden ornaments. |
| 26 July 2026 | Adhara Pana | A special drink is offered in large earthen pots placed on the chariots. |
| 27 July 2026 | Niladri Bije | The deities re-enter the Shree Jagannath Temple. |
During Niladri Bije, Lord Jagannath traditionally offers rasagola to Goddess Lakshmi as part of their symbolic reconciliation.
The story continues long after the first journey. Come and follow Hera Panchami, Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha through online live TV on Zee 5.
Safety and Crowd Arrangements for Rath Yatra 2026
Extensive arrangements are being made to help devotees move safely through Puri.
| Arrangement | Details |
| State police deployment | Around 13,000 personnel |
| Central forces | 15 companies |
| Safe zones | 26 locations along the Grand Road |
| Designated parking areas | 30 locations |
| Total parking capacity | Approximately 23,840 vehicles |
| Traffic monitoring | CCTV cameras, drones and AI-supported tracking |
| Public viewing | Giant LED screens across Puri and nearby areas |
| Chariot access | Access is limited to authorised servitors and pass holders. |
| Restricted zones | Entry controlled to prevent overcrowding |
Visitors should use designated parking locations, keep emergency routes clear and follow instructions given by the police and temple authorities. Only authorised individuals are allowed to enter the restricted zones around the chariots.
If you cannot join the gathering in Puri, stay connected with journey, traffic, and festival updates through live news on Zee 5.
FAQs About Rath Yatra 2026
- Are the aarti and puja timings fixed?
The ritual order is fixed, but the exact time of an individual ceremony may change if an earlier service takes longer than expected.
- What is Ratha Pratishtha?
Ratha Pratishtha is the consecration ceremony through which the three chariots are ritually prepared for the journey.
- What time should viewers start following the celebrations?
Viewers who want to experience the complete sequence should begin early in the morning. The major public ceremonies are expected from late morning through the afternoon.
- Can the Rath Yatra be watched without travelling to Puri?
Yes. Devotees can follow the procession through live TV channels, news coverage, online broadcasts and LED screens installed at different locations in Puri.
- What happens if the chariots do not reach Gundicha Temple on the first day?
The movement may resume according to instructions from the temple administration. Safety, daylight, crowd conditions and ritual requirements determine how far the chariots travel.
