Hindu Festivals in August 2025 – Dates, Meaning, and Celebrations

August is a vibrant month full of colors, devotion, and traditions in India. It marks the beginning of many important Hindu festivals that bring families together and celebrate culture, spirituality, and community. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Hindu festivals in August 2025, with their dates, why they are celebrated, how they are observed, and their cultural significance.

1. Nag Panchami – Friday, 13 August 2025

What is Nag Panchami?

Nag Panchami is a festival dedicated to the worship of snakes, especially the Nag Devta (Serpent God). In Hindu mythology, snakes are considered sacred and connected with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Why is it celebrated?

According to legend, this day honors the serpent deities who are believed to protect households and crops from harm. It also connects to the story of Lord Krishna who, as a child, defeated the serpent Kaliya.

How is it celebrated?

Devotees offer milk, flowers, and turmeric to snake idols or real snakes (especially in rural areas).

People visit temples of Nag Devta and recite Nag Panchami mantras.

Many fast on this day and avoid digging the ground to prevent hurting snakes.

 Importance:

Nag Panchami is a reminder of the co-existence between humans and nature and seeks blessings for protection and good health.

2. Varalakshmi Vratam – Friday, 8 August 2025

What is Varalakshmi Vratam?

Varalakshmi Vratam is a sacred day to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. It is mainly celebrated by married women in South India.

Why is it celebrated?

It is believed that those who observe this vrat (fast) are blessed with happiness, family prosperity, and long life for their husbands.

How is it celebrated?

Women wake up early, bathe, clean their homes, and decorate the puja room.

A Kalash (sacred pot) is decorated with a coconut and mango leaves as a symbol of the goddess.

Prayers, hymns, and offerings of sweets, fruits, and flowers are made to the deity.

 Importance:

This vrat shows the devotion of women towards their families and the spiritual bond within the household.

3. Sankashti Chaturthi (Lord Ganesha) – Tuesday, 12 August 2025

Devotees fast and pray to Lord Ganesha for obstacle‑free life. The fast is broken after sighting the moon, with prayers and offerings  .

4. Balarama Jayanti – Thursday, 14 August 2025

Celebrates the birth of Lord Balarama, elder brother of Krishna. Devotees visit temples, recite his stories, and perform rituals for strength and devotion  

5.Raksha Bandhan – Monday, 11 August 2025

What is Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

Why is it celebrated?

The tradition comes from many ancient stories, including that of Draupadi and Krishna, where a thread of love and protection is tied.

How is it celebrated?

Sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists.

In return, brothers promise to protect them and give gifts.

Families come together to celebrate with sweets, songs, and memories.

Importance:

Raksha Bandhan celebrates family love, protection, and the special sibling relationship.

6. Independence Day – Friday, 15 August 2025

A national holiday marking India’s freedom, often observed with flag hoisting and patriotic events. While cultural, it’s widely recognized  .

7. Krishna Janmashtami – Friday, 22 August 2025

What is Janmashtami?

Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the 8th avatar of Lord Vishnu, known for his wisdom, mischief, and love.

Why is it celebrated?

Lord Krishna’s birth brought hope and righteousness (dharma) to the world during times of evil and injustice.

How is it celebrated?

Devotees fast, sing bhajans, and read Krishna Leela stories.

At midnight, Krishna’s birth time, idols are bathed, dressed, and placed in cradles.

In Maharashtra, the famous Dahi Handi event is held where groups form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high.

Importance:

Janmashtami reminds us of truth, devotion, and the power of love and faith in life.

8. Bandhan (South India) / Avani Avittam – Monday, 9 August 2025

What is Avani Avittam?

Avani Avittam, or Upakarma, is an important Vedic ritual celebrated mainly by Brahmin men. It involves changing the sacred thread called yajnopavita.

Why is it celebrated?

It is a day of renewal of spiritual knowledge, seeking forgiveness for past mistakes, and starting fresh with learning and devotion.

How is it celebrated?

Priests conduct pujas and homams (fire rituals).

Men perform the Gayatri mantra and change their sacred thread.

Vedic texts are read and respected.

 Importance:

It marks the preservation of ancient Vedic traditions and respect for knowledge

9. Ganesh Chaturthi – Wednesday, 27 August 2025

The birthday of Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles. Families bring home Ganesha idols, offer prayers, sweets, flowers—and immerse the idols after 1–10 days .

10. Radha Ashtami – Sunday, 31 August 2025

Honours the birth of Goddess Radha, the divine companion of Krishna. Celebrations include puja, bhajans, processions, and fasting to express devotion  

 Quick List of Hindu Festival Dates in August 2025:

Festival  Name	Date	Day
Varalakshmi Vratam	8 Aug	(Fri)
Raksha Bandhan	9 Aug	(Sat)
Sankashti Chaturthi	12 Aug	(Tue)
Nag Panchami	13 Aug	(Wed)
Balarama Jayanti	14 Aug	(Thu)
Independence Day, Janmashtami (Smarta)	15 Aug	(Fri)
Krishna Janmashtami (Public/ISKCON)	16 Aug	(Sat)
Ganesh Chaturthi	27 Aug	(Wed)
Radha Ashtami	31 Aug	(Sun)
Varalakshmi Vratam	8 Aug	(Fri)

Final Thoughts

August 2025 is filled with beautiful Hindu festivals that highlight faith, family, and tradition. Whether it’s tying a rakhi, fasting for Varalakshmi, or dancing for Krishna Janmashtami, each festival brings joy and togetherness.

Stay connected with your roots, take part in these festivals of India, and pass on the stories and rituals to the next generation.

Wishing you a blessed and festive August 2025!

Key Reminders

Varalakshmi Vrat, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Radha Ashtami are major popular festivals celebrated across India.

Sankashti Chaturthi and Nag Panchami are significant fasts/worship days tied to Deities.

Balarama Jayanti and Radha Ashtami are part of the Vaishnava festival cycle.

Independence Day is a national public holiday and widely observed.

Hindu festivals in August 2025

August 2025 Indian festival calendar

Krishna Janmashtami 2025 date

Raksha Bandhan 2025 celebration

Varalakshmi Vratam 2025 puja

Nag Panchami significance

India culture and traditions

Hindu religious days 2025

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Lalbagcha Raja Mubai 2024 First Look -Lalbagcha Raja Mubai Ganesh festival2024- Lalbagcha Raja2024 Pictures -Live Darshan Lalbagcha Raja Mumbai 2024

Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai's most iconic Ganesh Chaturthi pandals, has a rich history that goes back to 1934. Established by the fishermen and vendors of the Koli community in Lalbaug, Mumbai, the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal was formed following a vow (Navas) made by the community for the construction of a permanent marketplace. This simple beginning has since grown into a symbol of deep faith and devotion for millions of people.

       

                               

Lalbagcha Raja Mumbai 2024 First Look 

The first look of Lalbaugcha Raja was revealed on Sepetember 5, amidst people performing to the tunes of traditional folk songs and numerous devotees that gathered with their sights set on getting a sneak-peak of Lord Ganesh.Lalbaugcha Raja aka ‘King of Lalbaug’, situated in Putlabai Chawl, is considered one of the most visited Ganesh pandals in Mumbai. 

 

The Modern Era

The Modern Era Today, Lalbaugcha Raja is known for its grand celebrations, elaborate decorations, and huge crowds. Each year, the pandal is visited by millions of devotees who come to seek blessings and enjoy the spiritual ambiance. The organizers also focus on giving back to society through social initiatives such as blood donation drives, medical camps, and educational support for underprivileged children.

Lalbagcha Raja2024 Ganesh Chaturthi Pictures 

Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival that starts on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month ‘Bhadrapada’, will start on September 7 this year. This auspicious ten-day festival starts with ‘Chaturthi’ and ends on ‘Anantha Chaturdashi’.

The festive period is also known as ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayak Chavithi’. The festival celebrates Ganesha as the ‘God of New Beginnings’ and the ‘Remover of Obstacles’ as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence.

It is celebrated with much fanfare in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, with lakhs of devotees converging into mandals to seek blessing from Lord Ganesh.

For the festivities, people bring Lord Ganesh idols to their homes, observe fasts, prepare mouth-watering delicacies, and visit pandals during the festival.

Keyward 

Lalbagcha Raja,Lalbagcha Raja First Look,Ganesh Chaturthi,Lalbagcha Raja Live Darshan,Lalbagcha Raja Pictures,Lalbagcha Raja Mukh Darshan,Lalbagcha Raja Mumbai

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Lalbagcha Raja Ganesh Mahosav Mumbai-Visharjan 2023- Route Map- Pictures-Live Location-Mukh Darshan-First Look

Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal unveiled the first look of the Lalbaug cha Raja, one of the most popular Ganesha idol in Mumbai on September 15.Lalbaugcha Raja, the Ganesh idol of the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, sees at least 1.5 crore devotees every year. The 12ft tall idol will be unveiled at the opening day of the 10-day festival of Ganesh Chathurthi (falling on 19 to 28 September). The mandal was first started in 1934, when the Ganpati was established in a fisherman’s attire. Since then, every year unveils a new avatar. We spoke to Shri Balasaheb Sudam Kamble, president of the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal, for details on timings, queues, procession routes and other arrangements.

Lalbaughcha Raja darshan and queue timings

Depending on how close you want to be to the Lord, the mandal offers both Mukh Darshan and Navas Charan-Sparsh Darshan.

Mukh Darshan: Get in this queue for a quick look at the idol from a distance. The wait time for this sneak peek alone can range from six to seven hours.

                                   

Navas or Charan-Sparsh Darshan: This queue is for devotees who'd like to touch the idol's feet for blessings. Being the more popular darshan among visitors, the wait time for this one usually ranges from 12-15 hours.

This year, the Mukh Darshan and Navas Charan-Sparsh Darshan begin with an aarti at 4am on 19 September 2023. Darshan will remain open round-the-clock till visarjan day, which falls on 28 September 2023.

Security and other arrangements at Lalbaugcha Raja

There are strict security and crowd-management measures in place for Lalbaughcha Raja.

Over 250 CCTV cameras have been installed on premises.

Apart from police personnel, 3,500-4,000 trained volunteers will be stationed across the pandal. The volunteers have been divided into various departments with various responsibilities including manning the entry points, queues, housekeeping, looking after the shoes, and the PA system. Fire fighters have also been onboarded for emergent cases.

Both the queues and mandal are sufficiently ventilated. The queues for Charan Sparsh are equipped with purified drinking water, tea and coffee along with food such as pulao and khichdi–all free of charge. The Mukh Darshan queue will also be provided with beverages and basic refreshments. Facilities such as first-aid kit and medical staff from neighbouring private and public hospitals such as KEM, Wadia and Sion Hospitals will be available.

Wheelchairs will be available on request and restroom facilities have been made available.

There are also designated private areas for pregnant women and mothers of newborn children.

Lalbaugcha Raja Visarjan Route Map Mumbai

Lalbaugcha Raja is by far the most popular Ganapati idol for devotees of Lord Ganesha. Ever since it was first installed, the hordes of devotees flocking to the pandal at Lalbaug have risen. It is strongly believed that whatever wish one makes here with deep faith is granted by the Lord. There are some devotees, though, who unfortunately cannot pray here merely because it is extremely tiring to stand for 8-10 hours in the serpentine queues. Hence it is exciting to get the opportunity to do darshan of the Lalbaughcha Raja when it is taken for immersion on the day of Anant Chaturdashi. In case you are unable to be present on the route, you can take an online darshan here:

Lalbaugcha Raja 2023: Live Streaming Details

During Ganesh Chaturthi this year, the darshan is reported to begin with an aarti at 4am on September 19, 2023 following which, the darshan will remain open round-the-clock till visarjan day on September 28, 2023. Here's where you can watch Lalbaugcha Raja LIVE darshan:

Official website –: https://lalbaugcharaja.com/en/

Youtube Channel -: https://youtube.com/user/LalbaugRaja

Facebook Page -: https://m.facebook.com/LalbaugchaRaja

Instagram Account -: https://instagram.com/lalbaugcharaja

Twitter Account -: https://twitter.com/lalbaugcharaja

Mind that the queue can be long—up to seven hours for Mukh Darshan and over 15 hours for a Charan-Sparsh Darshan.

You may want to carry a small mat or newspapers to sit on, enough water and maybe even titbits to munch on. While there are no restrictions on what to carry, all bags will be put through a mandatory screening for security reasons.

There is no hard and fast rule on what to wear for a darshan, so just ensure your outfit is comfortable and something you could spend a couple of hours in.

Phones can be carried, pictures are allowed to be taken. But do so at your own risk—the crowd can get overwhelming and phones and other belongings are known to fall into the huge hundis in front of the idol, which once in, cannot be retrieved. Also, mind the pickpockets.

Flowers can be bought outside as well as inside the pandal premises. However, most devotees offer ‘durva' or scotch grass, which is said to appease Lord Ganpati. This is mostly offered by devotees who queue up for the Navas Darshan.

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Poornima (Full Moon Day) July 3- 2023 - Poornima Date -Time-Hindu Calander

3 July 2023 - Monday - Pournami

Time: 7.46 pm (2-7-2023) to 5.48 pm (3-7-2023)

Tamil Month: Aani 18th Day (Monday) 

Timings in Detail:

- Poornima starts at 7.46 pm IST (on Sunday Night - 2-July-2023)

- Poornima ends at 5.48 pm IST (on Monday Evening - 3-July-2023)

Next Purnima Dates:

1 August 2023 - Tuesday - Pournami 

Timing: 3.21 am (1-8-2023) to 1.00 am (2-8-2023)

Tamil Month: Aadi

30 August 2023 - Wednesday - Pournami 

Timing: 10.40 am (30-8-2023) to 8.14 am (31-8-2023)

Tamil Month: Avani 

29 September 2023 - Friday - Pournami 

Timings: 6.40 pm (28-9-2023) to 4.27 pm (29-9-2023)

Tamil Month: Puratasi  

28 October 2023 - Saturday - Pournami  

Timing: 4.08 am (28-10-2023) to 2.24 am (29-10-2023)

Tamil Month: Aipasi 

27 November 2023 - Monday - Pournami 

Timing: 3.40 pm (26-11-2023) to 2.49 pm (27-11-2023)

Tamil Month: Karthigai 

26 December 2023 - Tuesday - Pournami  

Timings: 5.36 am (26-12-2023) to 5.48 am (27-12-2023)

Tamil Month: Margazhi 

25 January 2024 - Thursday - Pournami  

Timing: 10.07 pm (24-1-2024) to 11.20 pm (25-1-2024)

Tamil Month: Thai

24 February 2024 - Saturday - Pournami 

Timing: 4.20 pm (23-2-2024) to 6.18 pm (24-2-2024)

Tamil Month: Masi

24 March 2024 - Sunday - Pournami 

Timings: 10.53 am (24-3-2024) to 12.55 pm (25-3-2024)

Tamil Month: Panguni

23 April 2024 - Tuesday - Chithra Pournami 

Timing: 4.20 am (23-4-2024) to 5.39 am (24-4-2024)

Tamil Month: Chithirai

23 May 2024 - Thursday - Pournami 

Timings: 7.21 pm (22-5-2024) to 7.57 pm (23-5-2024)

Tamil Month: Vaikasi

21 June 2024 - Friday - Pournami 

Timing: 7.52 am (21-6-2024) to 7.26 am (22-6-2024)

Tamil Month: Aani

21 July 2024 - Sunday - Pournami 

Timings: 6.10 pm (20-7-2024) to 4.53 pm (21-7-2024)

Tamil Month: Aadi 

Nomenclature: 

- Poornima is the full moon day

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Amavasya July 17- 2023 - Amavasya Date -Time -Hindu Calendar

 17 July 2023 - Monday - Amavasai

Time: 11.02 pm (16-7-2023) to 12.30 am (18-7-2023)

Tamil Month: Aadi 1st Day (Monday)

(Note: 2 Amavasai in Aadi Month This Year - This is 1st Amavasai - Aadi Amavasai on 16th August, 2023)

Timings in Detail:

- Amavasya Tithi starts at 11.02 pm IST (on Monday Night - 16-July-2023)

- Amavasya Tithi ends at 12.30 am IST (on Wednesday Very Early Morning - 18-July-2023)

Next Amavasya Dates:

16 August 2023 - Wednesday - Aadi Amavasai

Timings: 1.47 pm (15-8-2023) to 3.44 pm (16-8-2023)

Tamil Month: Aadi (This is 2nd Amavasai in Aadi Maasam & called as Aadi Amavasai) 

14 September 2023 - Thursday - Amavasai 

Timing: 5.57 am (14-9-2023) to 7.51 am (15-9-2023)

Tamil Month: Avani 

14 October 2023 - Saturday - Mahalaya Amavasai 

Timing: 10.36 pm (13-10-2023) to 11.53 pm (14-10-2023)

Tamil Month: Puratasi 

13 November 2023 - Monday - Amavasai 

Timings: 2.56 pm (12-11-2023) to 3.16 pm (13-11-2023)

Tamil Month: Aipasi 

12 December 2023 - Tuesday - Amavasai 

Timing: 6.02 am (12-12-2023) to 5.19 am (13-12-2023)

Tamil Month: Karthigai 

11 January 2024 - Thursday - Amavasai

Timing: 7.26 pm (10-1-2024) to 5.54 pm (11-1-2024)

Tamil Month: Margazhi 

9 February 2024 - Friday - Thai Amavasai

Timing: 7.16 am (9-2-2024) to 5.09 am (10-2-2024)

Tamil Month: Thai 

10 March 2024 - Sunday - Amavasai 

Timing: 5.33 pm (9-3-2024) to 3.11 pm (10-3-2024)

Tamil Month: Masi

8 April 2024 - Monday - Amavasya 

Timing: 2.44 am (8-4-2024) to 12.27 am (9-4-2024)

Tamil Month: Panguni

7 May 2024 - Tuesday - Amavasai 

Timing: 11.24 am (7-5-2024) to 9.28 am (8-5-2024)

Tamil Month: Chithirai

6 June 2024 - Thursday - Amavasai 

Timing: 8.10 pm (5-6-2024) to 6.53 pm (6-6-2024)

Tamil Month: Vaikasi

5 July 2024 - Friday - Amavasai 

Timing: 5.38 am (5-7-2024) to 5.16 am (6-7-2024)

Tamil Month: Aani

4 August 2024 - Sunday - Amavasai 

Timing: 4.56 pm (4-8-2024) to 5.32 pm (5-8-2024)

Tamil Month: Aadi 

Nomenclature and Significance:

- On Amavasya, followers of Sanatana Dharm (Hindu Religion) will go to sacred rivers, take holy dip at early morning, offer tharpanam to their departed ancestors and do annadhanam

- In Tamil Nadu, lakhs of People will make special Tharpanam (Oblation) in Rameshwaram & other Holy Theerthas on Thai Amavasai, Aadi Amavasai, Mahalaya Amavasya. 

- Thai Amavasai comes in the month of Jan-Feb and is the 1st Amavasai after Uttranayana Punya Kaalam (Northern Journey of Sun). 

- Aadi Amavasai comes in the month of Jul-Aug and is the 1st Amavasai after Dakshinayanam Punya Kaalam (Southern Journey of Sun). 

- Pitru Paksh Mahalaya Amavasai comes during Sharan Navratri

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Ahmedabad Rath Yatra 2023 - Today June 20 - Live Streaming Website-Date-Time - Sri Jagannath Mandir Temple Gujarat India

 Ahmedabad Sri Jagannathji Temple 146th Rath Yatra is celebrated on June 20, 2023 (Tuesday)

In the previous years the festival timings were from 4 am to 9 pm IST. Rath Yatra started at 7 am IST.

Live Streaming:

Webcast, podcast, online stream of the Rath yatra can be seen in the official Temple website 
http://www.jagannathjiahd.org/

https://www.zee5.com/channels/details/dd-girnar/0-9-ddgirnar
http://www.ddgirnar.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/DDGirnarOfficial

 

Live Telecast:

Sri Jagannath Mandir Rath Yatra is also normally live telecast in Doordarshan DD Girnar (Gujarati). Last year Live telecast began at 3.50 am IST

The live telecast began in ETV Gujarati at 4 am in the morning. TV9 Gujarat, VTV Gujarat, Sandesh TV might also live telecast the festival.

Schedule:

The the previous years the puja schedule were as follows

- Mangal Aarti to Lord Jagannath - 4 am; 
- Special Bhog Kichdi - 4.30 am;
- Sri Jagannath will come to Rath at 6 am;
- Rath Yatra starts at 7 am IST. 
- Rath Expected to Return to Temple at 6.30 pm

Statistics:

- Rath Travel Distance - 1.5 km. 
- In previous years - 18 Elephants, 101 trucks depicting Indian Culture, 30 Akkadas performing Aerobatics, 18 Bhajan Mandalis, Ras Garba, bands and others accompanied Lord Jagannath - Around 2,500 Sadhus (Monks) visited Temple for Rath Yatra

- Rath will Halt at Saraspur and then return to Temple.
- Gujarat Chief Minister is expected perform Pahindvidhi (pay obeisance by sweeping the path of Rath Travel)

Next Year Ahmedabad Rath Yatra: 

 
In 2024, Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is on July 7, 2024 (Sunday)

Tags: Amdavad - Ahd Ahmd Jul Jun 20th 20-6-23 7-7-24 7th - Jamalpur Darwaja Gate - Route - Lokotsav

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Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra2023-Rath Yatra Festival Date-Time-Rought Map-Rath Yatra History-Rath Yatra Celebration Puri-Rath Yatra Picture2023

Rath Yatra festival is celebrated every year on the second day of Ashadh Sud as per Hindu calendar. Jagannath RathYatra is primarily celebrated in the city of Puri, Odisha. The Jagannath temple located in Ahmedabad city also organizes the Rath Yatra each year. People from around the world and the country visit to watch the Rath Yatra live. There are huge chariots drawn in order to carry the Lords. The mere sight of this whole celebration is a blessing in itself. This year the Jagannath Rath Yatra in India will be celebrated on June 20, 2023.

Rath Yatra Festival Date-Time 

According to the Hindu calendar, Rath Yatra is observed on the second day of Ashadha month i.e., late June or early July. In ancient literature, this day is referred to as ‘Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya’. In 2023, Rath Yatra will take place on 20 June (Tuesday).

Rath Yatra Date: June 20, 2023, Tuesday
Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 11:25 AM on Jun 19, 2023
Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 01:07 PM on Jun 20, 2023

Looking for auspicious timings of the day, refer to Panchang!  

 Rath Yatra Rought Map Jagannath Puri Orissa 

Option 1:There is a smooth network of roads in Orissa which connects it to all the major cities of the country and the nearby towns of the state.

Option 2:One can even reach Puri via rail as the railway station at Puri is linked to all the important cities in India with regular trains. The railway station of the town is also very easily accessible from the main town area.

Option 3:Incase you want to go by air, fly to Bhubaneswar (56kms from Puri). Bhubaneswar is the main connecting point between Puri and other Indian destinations. Travel to Puri by surface. Check into a hotel in Puri.

Next day get up early in the morning and get ready to participate in Rath Yatra by 6 am.

Note:Lots of pilgrims and tourists come to Puri at the time of Rath Yatra. To make yourself free from the hurdles of accommodation, book your hotel in advance. Toshali Sands in Puri is a four star resort which arranges full tours for Rath Yatra-including transfer to any hotel accommodation from airport/railway station, Sightseeing of Rath Yatra and other places to visit in Puri.  

 Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra History

 Ratha Yatra is the most popular and anticipated festival of the year in Odisha and means the festival (yatra) of the chariots (ratha).

The observance of the Ratha Yatra of Jagannath dates back to the twelfth century. Descriptions of the festival can be found in key Hindu texts such as Brahma Purana, Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.

Jagannath literally means 'Lord of the Universe' and is a deity worshipped in regional traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism in India and Bangladesh. Jagannath is considered a form of Vishnu by Hindus.

The idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are usually worshipped in the sanctum of the Jagannath temple, but once a year during the month of Ashadha, they are brought out to travel three kilometres to the Gundicha Temple, in three huge chariots, drawn by hundreds of people.

In the past, it was not unknown for people to throw themselves under the wheels of the chariots to attain salvation.The chariot for Jagannath is  14 metres (45 feet) high and 11 metres (35 feet) square. It takes about two months to construct. The artists and painters of Puri decorate the chariots in bright colours with religious motifs. The chariot of Jagannath is the etymological origin of the English word 'juggernaut'.

The chariots stay in the Gundicha Temple for a week before being brought back to the Jagannath Temple via the Mausi Maa Temple, where the deities are ceremoniously offered poda pitha, a kind of baked cake which is usually only eaten by the poorest in society.

Needless to say, the city of Puri grinds to a standstill on Ratha Yatra and a week later on the return journey.

Other Ratha Yatra festivals take place in other parts of India and also in Bangladesh, but Puri remains the oldest and grandest. Since the late 1960s, Ratha Yatra festivals have taken place in many cities across the globe, due to the promotion by the Hare Krishna movement.

The popularity of this Hindu festival is bolstered by followers of other religions who participate to get the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

Rath Yatra Celebration in Jagannath Puri

Three huge colourfully decorated chariots, which resemble the temple structures, are drawn through Puri's streets. This festival commemorates Lord Jagannath, Balarama, and sister Subhadra's annual journey to Gundicha Temple, their aunt's temple, located two kilometres away from their temple. Non-Hindus and foreigners usually don't get to enter the temple premises on usual days, but on these days, the other devotees get an opportunity to see the deities.

During the festival, millions of devotees, not only from India, but from all over the World, come to Puri to help pulling the Lords' chariot, which is considered as a pious deed. During this huge procession, devotional songs are played on the chariots with tambourines, drums, trumpets and many more instruments. The carts are approximately 45 feet (14 metres) high. Thousands of pilgrims pull these chariots, which are newly built each year from a particular tree. This festival is broadcasted live on several Indian and foreign television channels.

This festival has various names like Ghosa Jatra, Gundicha Jatra, Dasavatara Jatra, Navadina Jatra and many more. The ritual of Jatra, which mean a journey or travel, is very essential for Hindus to worship. In south the temple's representative deities are popularly called as Utsava Murti and in Orissa they are known as Bije Pratima or Chalanti Pratima. The Jatra takes place in two forms- One involves short circumbulation that has to be around the temple and other involves a journey longer from the location of the temple to another destination. Jatras are considered very important and sacred for every festival and ceremony. Jagannatha Rath Yatra is one of the most unique and grandest festivals compared to other Jatras.

Famous Oriya songs are sung during the festival which says that the wheels, the grand avenue and the chariots become one on this occasion with Lord Jagannatha. People wait for the Jatra for the whole year in order to get just one glimpse of Lord Jagannatha.

Rath Yatra Picture2023

 

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