Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Timings, and How Cities Across India Will Celebrate Lord Jagannath’s Grand Festival

The annual Rath Yatra, one of the most significant festivals dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is set to take place on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Celebrated with grandeur in Odisha’s Puri and across ISKCON centres worldwide, the festival symbolises devotion, unity, and the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra as they are paraded through city streets on majestic chariots. Preparations are already underway in several cities, including Tier 2 towns where enthusiasm remains unmatched.

Rath Yatra 2025 Date and Schedule

This year, Rath Yatra will be observed on 29th June, which coincides with Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. The festival begins early in the morning with traditional rituals such as Mangala Aarti, followed by ceremonial offerings and the grand pulling of the chariots (Rath Yatra) later in the day.

The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, will be held on 7th July 2025, marking the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple.

How Tier 2 Cities Are Celebrating

While Puri remains the heart of the celebration, cities like Nagpur, Indore, Raipur, Varanasi, and Bhubaneswar are gearing up for large-scale processions organized by ISKCON and local temple trusts. These processions usually feature decorated chariots, devotional singing (kirtan), street bhogs (prasad stalls), and cultural performances.

Many Tier 2 cities have seen increasing footfall at ISKCON temples, especially among youth and families who now actively take part in volunteering and festivities.

ISKCON’s Role in Modern-Day Celebrations

ISKCON plays a major role in promoting Rath Yatra outside Odisha, taking it to global audiences and younger generations. With vibrant processions, live bhajan groups, and cultural exhibits, ISKCON ensures that the spiritual and cultural richness of the festival is preserved across regions and languages.

In metros and mid-sized cities alike, Rath Yatra has grown beyond religious celebration—becoming a community event marked by shared food, joy, and devotion.

Tradition Meets Modern Devotion

As part of digital outreach, ISKCON temples across India plan to stream live darshan and yatra footage on social platforms, allowing even home-bound devotees to participate virtually. Schools and colleges in several cities are also planning cultural exhibitions, art competitions, and heritage talks focused on the Jagannath tradition.

From heritage walks in Bhubaneswar to eco-friendly rath designs in Bhopal, the festival is being reimagined through both traditional and modern lenses.

Conclusion

Rath Yatra 2025 is not just a celebration of faith but also of community spirit and cultural continuity. As cities big and small prepare for this auspicious journey of the deities, the festival promises to bring people together in devotion, music, colour, and joy. For Tier 2 cities across India, it remains a moment to connect deeply with tradition while embracing new ways of celebration in an evolving spiritual landscape.