Puri, Jul 16: The world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced Thursday in the holy city of Puri, drawing lakhs of devotees despite persistent rain.

The divine siblings — Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhadra — will embark on their nine-day annual sojourn from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, marking one of Hinduism’s most celebrated festivals.

The day will begin with elaborate rituals inside the sanctum, including Malang Alati, Mailama, Roṣahoma, Surya Puja, and Dwarapala Puja.

Also read: A Devotee's Complete Guide to Reach Lord Jagannath Safely During Rath Yatra 2026

As per the finalised timetable, by 9:00 AM, the sacred chariots will be consecrated, followed by Mangalarpana. At 9:30 AM, the much-awaited Pahandi ritual commenced, where the deities will be carried out in a grand procession amid chants of “Jai Jagannath.” The Pahandi is scheduled to be concluded around 12:30 PM, after which Madanmohan Vijay and Chitalagi rituals will be performed.

In the afternoon, the ceremonial Chhera Pahanra — the sweeping of the chariots by the Gajapati King of Puri — will take place between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

By 4:00 PM, the massive chariots of Lord Jagannath (Nandighosa), Lord Balabhadra (Taladhwaja), and Devi Subhadra (Darpadalana) will be pulled by thousands of devotees along the Grand Road, marking the official commencement of the Rath Yatra.

The festival, celebrated not only in Odisha but across India and abroad, symbolizes universal brotherhood and devotion. Known by various names in scriptures — Ghosa Yatra, Patitapaban Yatra, Navadinatmika Yatra, and Gundicha Mahotsav — the Rath Yatra is considered the most important among the twelve annual festivals of Jagannath Temple.

Observed on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, it continues for nine days before the deities return to the sanctum in the Bahuda Yatra.

Despite heavy rains, the spiritual fervour remained undiminished as chants of “Jai Jagannath” reverberated across Puri, turning the city into a sea of devotion.