Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: As the sacred Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 began in Puri today, June 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt greetings to the nation and devotees across the country. The nine-day festival commenced on June 27 and will conclude on July 5 with the Niladri Bijay ceremony.
The festival marks the grand journey of Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, in majestic wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The iconic procession draws millions of devotees from India and around the world, eager to witness and participate in this deeply spiritual event.
Taking to social media, Prime Minister Modi posted, “On the sacred occasion of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, my heartfelt best wishes to all fellow countrymen. May this holy festival of faith and devotion bring happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and excellent health to everyone's life. Jai Jagannath!”
The Prime Minister’s message received widespread attention and was warmly welcomed by citizens, religious leaders, and devotees, many of whom responded with chants of “Jai Jagannath” and images from the vibrant procession in Puri.
This year, the auspicious Dwitiya Tithi began at 1:24 PM on June 26 and ended at 11:19 AM on June 27, coinciding with the timing of the main procession. The festival will culminate on July 5 with Niladri Bijay, when the deities will return to the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple amidst grand festivities.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also shared his wishes, writing, “Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all devotees on the auspicious commencement of Lord Shri Jagannath Ji's sacred Rath Yatra! May the grace of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath Ji, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Maa Subhadra continuously shower upon all. May every home and courtyard be filled with peace, prosperity, joy, and happiness. May everyone's wishes be fulfilled; this is my prayer. Jai Shri Jagannath!”
Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most revered festivals in India, symbolizing devotion, inclusiveness, and spiritual liberation. The celebrations began with the Chhera Pahanra ritual, where the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri ceremoniously swept the chariot platform with a golden broom.
भगवान जगन्नाथ की रथ यात्रा के पवित्र अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को मेरी ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। श्रद्धा और भक्ति का यह पावन उत्सव हर किसी के जीवन में सुख, समृद्धि, सौभाग्य और उत्तम स्वास्थ्य लेकर आए, यही कामना है। जय जगन्नाथ! pic.twitter.com/vj8K6a0XKM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 27, 2025
