Wondering why Jagannath Puri Is One of India’s Most Sacred Destinations? 🛕
Jagannath Puri, located on the eastern coast of Odisha, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites that every Hindu is encouraged to visit at least once in their lifetime. Nestled along the Bay of Bengal, Puri is home to the revered Jagannath Temple, a sacred 12th-century structure dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
But what makes Jagannath Puri truly extraordinary is the annual Rath Yatra – a grand chariot procession where the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are taken out of the temple for a divine journey to Gundicha Temple. In 2025, Rath Yatra will be celebrated on 27th June, drawing millions of devotees and tourists from around the world.
More than just a religious ritual, the Rath Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with spiritual fervour, vibrant traditions, massive chariots, cultural performances, and an overwhelming sense of devotion. Planning your trip well in advance ensures that you don’t miss out on witnessing one of the biggest spiritual gatherings in the world.
What to Do in Jagannath Puri During Rath Yatra 🛕
If you’re travelling to Puri for the Rath Yatra, you’re in for an unforgettable spiritual journey. Here’s what you must explore and do:
1. Witness the Rath Yatra Procession 🚩
The main highlight of your visit will, of course, be the Rath Yatra itself. Watch in awe as the three majestic, 45-feet-high wooden chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away. Being part of this procession is considered a highly auspicious act.
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Tip: Arrive early in the morning and find a good vantage point along the Grand Road (Bada Danda).
2. Visit the Jagannath Temple
Even though non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premises, the grandeur of the Jagannath Temple can be admired from outside. For devotees, entering the temple and seeking blessings from the Lord is a deeply emotional and spiritual experience.
- Dress Code: Modest, traditional clothing is encouraged.
- Best Time: Early morning darshan to avoid the rush.
Book trains to Jagannath Puri now on Paytm.
3. Explore Gundicha Temple
This is the destination of the Rath Yatra, where the deities stay for a few days before returning to their original abode. Gundicha Temple has a calm, serene aura and is considered equally sacred.
4. Attend Sandhya Darshan & Hera Panchami
These rituals take place throughout the Rath Yatra festival. Sandhya Darshan allows you to witness the deities in a more intimate setting, while Hera Panchami is a playful ritual involving Goddess Lakshmi.
5. Enjoy Puri Beach and Marine Drive
After the spiritual experiences, take time to relax at Puri Beach, watch the sunrise, and stroll along the vibrant Marine Drive Road. You’ll find shops, street food, and camel rides here.
6. Taste the Mahaprasad at Anand Bazaar
The Mahaprasad cooked in the temple kitchen is not just food-it’s a blessing. Head to Anand Bazaar near the temple, where you can purchase and savour it along with thousands of other devotees. It’s served on banana leaves and shared in a communal setting.
How to Travel to Puri for Rath Yatra 🚂
Since the Rath Yatra attracts massive crowds, it’s crucial to plan your journey. Here’s how you can reach Jagannath Puri by flight, train, or bus:
1. By Flight
There’s no airport in Puri, but you can fly to the nearest airport, Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (BBI), located about 60 km from Puri.
- Major Cities Connected: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai.
- From Airport to Puri: You can book a private cab, taxi, or government bus from Bhubaneswar to Puri. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Tip: Flights tend to get expensive around the Yatra dates. Book early and keep checking for offers.
2. By Train
Puri Railway Station (PURI) is well connected to major cities across India and offers both express and superfast trains.
Popular Trains to Puri:
- Purushottam Express (New Delhi – Puri)
- Puri Howrah Express
- Jagannath Express (Kolkata – Puri)
- Neelachal Express (via Lucknow, Kanpur)
Booking Window: Given the festival rush, book your train tickets as soon as possible.
3. By Bus
You can travel to Puri by Odisha State Road Transport buses (OSRTC) or private AC/non-AC buses from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, and other nearby cities.
- Travel Time: Bhubaneswar to Puri by bus takes approximately. 2-2.5 hours.
- Comfort Tip: Choose an AC sleeper bus if you’re travelling overnight or during the day to beat the monsoon humidity.
Things to Keep in Mind: 📝
A spiritual trip to Puri during Rath Yatra requires careful planning and preparation due to the massive crowd and monsoon weather. Here’s a checklist to ensure a safe and fulfilling experience:
1. Book Everything in Advance
Flights, trains, hotels-everything gets sold out weeks in advance. It’s advisable to make all your reservations at least 1-2 months before the Yatra date.
2. Stay Close to the Temple or Grand Road
Choose hotels or guesthouses within a 1-2 km radius of the Jagannath Temple or Grand Road for easy access to the chariot procession and major rituals.
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Popular Areas to Stay: Swargadwar, Grand Road, Chakratirtha Road.
3. Carry Essentials
Since June is the peak monsoon season in Odisha, carry:
- Light raincoat or umbrella
- Quick-dry clothes
- Waterproof footwear
- Power bank & torch
- Personal medicine kit
4. Stay Hydrated & Eat Safely
Due to the humidity and long walking hours, carry a reusable water bottle. Eat only from trusted shops or go for temple-prepared Mahaprasad. Avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
5. Respect Local Customs
The Rath Yatra is a deeply sacred event for locals. Dress modestly, remove footwear in temple areas, and avoid taking photos where prohibited.
6. Travel with Companions
If it’s your first time visiting Puri during Rath Yatra, try to travel with a group or take the help of a local guide. The crowd can be overwhelming, especially for senior citizens or children.
7. Beware of Pickpockets
While the event is spiritually uplifting, always stay alert in crowds. Keep your valuables close and avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
Plan your Jagannath Puri Trip now! 🚂
Jagannath Puri’s Rath Yatra is more than a religious event-it’s a spiritual awakening, a celebration of unity, faith, and culture that dates back centuries. If you’re planning your trip for 27th June 2025, start now-book your tickets, reserve your stay, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
From watching the gigantic chariots roll through cheering crowds to tasting the divine Mahaprasad and relaxing at Puri beach, this trip will stay with you forever.
Whether you’re a devotee, a photographer, a spiritual seeker, or just a curious traveller, Rath Yatra in Puri is one Indian tradition you simply cannot miss.
Book trains to Jagannath Puri now on Paytm.
