By Rakesh sarkar 
Rath Yatra 2025: What Is It? An annual Hindu festival in Odisha, Rath Yatra 2025 is also called the Jagannath Chariot Festival, Gundicha Yatra, or Shree Gundicha Yatra.
It occurs on Dwitiya Tithi, which is regarded as a spiritually significant day and the second day of the wax-moon phase (Shukla Paksha).
ISKCON TRADITIONAL _
Prayagraj Rath Yatra at ISKCON: The ISKCON chapter in Prayagraj is scheduled to undertake its Rath Yatra on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 4 p.m. from Hira Halwai Crossing.
The procession will go past Subhash Chauraha and Hanuman Mandir, concluding at KP Ground, according to TOI and Economic Times.
Achyuta Mohan Das, the president of the temple, stated that Sunday was chosen to enable more devotees to come and receive blessings.
Rath yatra history:
History and Importance in Puri, Odisha: The festival rose to popularity under the Gajapati dynasty in Odisha and remains a potent symbol of religious belief and cultural pride today.
The procession in Puri begins at the Jagannath Temple and travels roughly 3 km to the Gundicha Temple.
Rath yatra is a celebration that unites devotees in spiritual devotion and joy.
Then, representing a pilgrimage to their aunt’s house, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are set atop three different chariots.
The Hallowed Chariots: Three royal wooden chariots are made by hand each year for:
- Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha (16 wheels)
- Lord Balabhadra’s taladhwaja (14 wheels)
- Goddess Subhadra’s darpadalana (12 wheels)
Only a unique hereditary team is in charge of the sacred building, and the wood comes from particular trees in the forest area of Odisha.
Customs and Celebrations: After taking ritual baths, the idols repose at home during Anavasara (June 13–26).
On June 26, Gundicha Marjana, the temple is ceremoniously cleansed.
June 27 is Rath Yatra, the principal day of the chariot procession.
Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha Temple on Hera Panchami (July 1).
On July 4th, Bahuda Yatra: Journey back.
Suna Besha and Niladri Bijay (July 5): Returning home in the golden clothing of the gods.
Beyond Puri, lakhs of people congregate in Puri to draw the chariots because they think it will result in moksha, or spiritual emancipation.
Vibrant Rath Yatras are also held by ISKCON chapters in India and elsewhere, including Prayagraj (June 29), Scotland, Kolkata, Mumbai, and more, with the support of devotees from all over the world.
Why Divine Symbolism Is So Unique: Honoring Krishna’s journey and offering blessings to Puri, Odisha’s main festival (3 km procession).
Date (Puri): Dwitiya Tithi, June 27, 2025.
Prayagraj Yatra by ISKCON: At 4 p.m. on June 29, 2025, Hira Halwai will arrive at KP Ground Chariots.
Three holy ones are the Darpadalana Festival, Taladhwaja, and Nandighosha.
Nine-day period: June 13–July 5.
Important Rituals include cleaning the temple, bathing customs, Hera Panchami, the voyage back, and the golden ceremony.
The temple is a three-story, pink-painted building with two elaborately carved pillars framing a gorgeously made entrance door.
The statues of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and Sachidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura are housed in a modest, exquisitely carved shrine within the prayer hall.
Lord Krishna, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balarama are the three magnificent idols that stand in the main sanctum at the end of the prayer hall.
The sanctum is well-lit and elegantly furnished, with shimmering gold-colored decorations around the top and sides of its doorway.
Visitors can explore some of Puri’s other well-known attractions after honoring the gods and taking in the temple’s ethereal aura.
The picturesque Puri Beach, where visitors frequently unwind and enjoy quiet moments by the sea, is one of the highlights.
The renowned and historic Jagannath Temple, which welcomes hundreds of devotees each day, is another must-see site.