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Each year, the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims, making it one of India’s most celebrated religious festivals. The Rath Yatra 2025 start date is 27 June, and it concludes with Bahuda Yatra on 5 July 2025. But the magic of Lord Jagannath’s chariot isn’t confined to Odisha alone. From the riverbanks of Bengal to the streets of Gujarat, vibrant versions of this sacred tradition unfold across the country, each with its own rhythm, rituals, and unique local flavour. Whether you're tracking the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, joining the festivities in smaller towns, or simply curious about the journey of the divine siblings, this festival brings communities together with joy, colour, and devotion.
Mahesh, Serampore
Tucked away by the Hooghly River lies Mahesh, a quaint part of Serampore that’s home to India’s oldest Ratha Yatra after Puri. Celebrated since 1396 CE, this week-long chariot festival isn’t just a ritual—it’s a way of life. Here, the Jagannath Temple, built centuries ago, still stands tall, watching over iron-wheeled chariots that roll through narrow lanes, guided by the faithful. The atmosphere fuses the serenity of old Bengal with the ecstasy of devotional music, mostly influenced by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Vaishnavite teachings. When the grand chariot sways forward, chants rise like river tides and locals, dressed in tradition, pour out of every by-lane. Mahesh’s Rath Yatra doesn’t just honour divinity—it invites you into it. This is a monastery in Himachal Pradesh, a spiritual sanctuary in West Bengal, minus the mountains, but just as serene. The best part? It’s accessible, immersive, and so rich in culture, it feels like walking into a living museum.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Nowhere else does grandeur meet grit quite like Ahmedabad during its Rath Yatra. Known as the second largest after Puri, the festival here has been rolling since 1878, blending tradition with sheer spectacle. Elephants, camels, floats, saints, and soldiers—everyone plays a role in this mile-long celebration. The Jagannath Temple at Jamalpur is the starting point, but the real charm lies along the 18 km stretch through the old city. From the Pahind Vidhi, where the Chief Minister symbolically sweeps the chariot path, to the pouring of Ganga water from Rishikesh—it’s all deeply rooted in devotion. Massive crowds throng to watch not just the chariots but also cultural troupes, dancers, and vibrant kirtan singers, turning every corner into a spiritual stage. If Puri feels out of reach, Ahmedabad’s version brings the off-beat destination in Himachal Pradesh vibe—crowded but soulful, deeply Indian yet uniquely Gujarati. Here, the celebration is not just seen—it’s felt.
ISKCON Mayapur
Tucked along the Ganges, Mayapur is the land where kirtans never stop and international pilgrims blend seamlessly with locals. During Rath Yatra, this holy town turns into a tapestry of faith and festivity. Home to ISKCON’s global headquarters and adjacent to the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Rath Yatra here is spiritual theatre at its best. Devotees from across continents pull elaborately adorned chariots through the streets, chanting and dancing in joyful abandon. The journey begins in Rajapur and ends at a replica Gundicha Temple, mirroring Puri's tradition but with a unique global flavour. Maha-prasad is shared, cultural performances ignite the stage, and the chants echo long into the night. This isn’t just a religious celebration—it’s a soul cleanser. While you won’t find a Buddhist monastery in Himachal Pradesh, you’ll find something equally serene—devotion with a universal passport. For those looking to experience tradition through a multicultural lens, Mayapur delivers.
Guptipara, Hooghly
Ever heard of a chariot festival where you’re encouraged to "loot"? Welcome to Guptipara’s Rath Yatra, a celebration that’s as intriguing as it is intense. Dating back to the 1730s, this lesser-known gem unfolds with a 2 km chariot pull through the historic town and includes the quirky ritual of "Bhandar Loot", where devotees rush to collect temple offerings, adding chaotic delight to the calm of devotion. The chariot itself is a majestic nine-pinnacled wooden tower, decked in vivid colours and guarded by wooden horses. But it’s not just about the spectacle—it’s about the collective energy. From morning till moonrise, kirtans fill the air, fairs light up the streets, and community becomes communion. The aura here is as vibrant as any oldest monasteries in Himachal Pradesh, rooted in legacy but reborn every year in colour, sound, and laughter. For travellers craving something local yet legendary, Guptipara offers a story waiting to be lived.
Hauz Khas, Delhi
Held annually at the Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas, this one‑day Rath Yatra draws thousands of devotees. The event begins with the Pahandi ceremony, followed by the pulling of a striking white‑pinnacled wooden chariot through the historic urban village. Attendees chant hymns and participate in the Chhera Pahanra sweeping ritual. Nestled among Hauz Khas’s medieval monuments and trendy cafés, the festival blends devotion with Delhi’s urban charm.
Kharghar, Mumbai
Organised by the Maharashtra Oriya Welfare Association and Jai Jagannath Lok Taran Trust since 2011, Kharghar’s Rath Yatra unfolds in early July. It spans around ten days, from the initial rituals to the Bahuda Yatra when deities return. Over 30,000 devotees trek alongside three chariots belonging to Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra across separate 2–3 km routes. The procession echoes Puri’s tradition with kirtans, bhajans, Pahandi Bije, and sweeping ceremonies, supported by faithful Odia craftsmanship and cultural performances.
Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha
Referred to as Odisha’s “Second Srikshetra”, Baripada’s Rath Yatra begins a day after Puri’s and runs for about thirteen days. Since 1975, women have exclusively pulled the chariot of Devi Subhadra—a powerful tradition introduced during International Women’s Year. The three chariots journey via Baripada’s Grand Road (Bada Danda), with Balabhadra and Subhadra drawn on Day 1 and Jagannath on Day 2. Women devotees flood the route, making it the state's second-largest Rath Yatra.