Millions of devotees from across India eagerly look forward to celebrating the Rath Yatra festival every year, which is one of the major festivals dedicated to Lord Jagannath. For those who are eager to know when is Rath Yatra 2026, the festival will take place on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Devotees gather from different parts of the world to celebrate this significant festival and witness the processions in Puri, Odisha.
If you want to know when is Rath Yatra 2026, it will surely help you plan your trip to the holy city of Puri.
What is Rath Yatra?
Rath Yatra, also called Chariot Festival, marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, in Puri. The deities travel on three magnificent wooden chariots, which are dragged by devotees.
It is believed that participating in this divine procession ensures blessings and divine favor.
What is the date of Rath Yatra 2026?
For individuals interested in knowing about the date of Rath Yatra 2026, this auspicious day is likely to occur on 16 July 2026, as per the Hindu calendar. The date falls in line with the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the Shukla Paksha during the month of Ashadha.
With the Rath Yatra approaching, temples around the country and even some other Hindu populations abroad arrange for prayers and other activities to commemorate the celebration.
Importance of Rath Yatra
There is more than just one importance of Rath Yatra. For starters, this festival signifies the concept that God leaves his abode in the temple to come down to earth to see and greet his devotees.
Unlike other festivals wherein the devotees visit their gods inside the temple premises, this festival offers them the chance to have darshan of the lords outside the temple.
