Temple Festivals

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is deeply intertwined with various festivals that hold immense religious, cultural, and social significance. These festivals bring devotees, tourists, and locals together in celebration and devotion.

Here are some of the prominent festivals associated with the Jagannath Temple:

  • Rath Yatra:
    The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is the most famous and grand festival of the Jagannath Temple. It usually takes place in June or July. During this festival, the deities—Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra—are placed on massive chariots and pulled by devotees through the streets of Puri. The procession symbolizes the journey of the deities to their aunt's house and their return to the temple. The Rath Yatra attracts millions of devotees from across the globe.
  • Snana Yatra:
    Snana Yatra, also known as the Bathing Festival, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (June). The deities are ceremonially bathed with 108 pitchers of water, infused with aromatic herbs and perfumes. Devotees believe that witnessing the Snana Yatra absolves them of their sins.
  • Anasara:
    After the grand Snana Yatra, the deities enter a period of seclusion known as "Anasara." During this time, they are believed to be unwell and are not visible to the devotees. The Anasara period lasts for about two weeks.
  • Gundicha Yatra:
    The Gundicha Yatra is celebrated over nine days, during which the deities are taken to the Gundicha Temple, located about 2.5 kilometers away from the Jagannath Temple. This symbolic journey marks the deities' visit to their aunt's house. Devotees believe that sweeping the path of the chariots during the Gundicha Yatra cleanses their souls.
  • Niladri Bije:
    After the nine-day stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities return to the Jagannath Temple in a grand procession known as Niladri Bije. It signifies the return of the deities to their abode. The most famous incident associated with Niladri Bije is the "Rasagola Dibasa," where the deities are offered the popular sweet dish rasagola.
  • Makar Sankranti:
    Makar Sankranti, celebrated in January, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. On this day, a special ritual known as "Uttarayana" is performed, symbolizing the shift towards longer days. Devotees take a holy dip in the sea to cleanse themselves spiritually
  • Dakshinayan Yatra:
    This yatra is celebrated in the Karkata Sankranti as per Srimandir Panji. It is said that Vibhishan darshan Shree Jagannath on that day. So the Dakshinayan Bandapana ritual is also performed on that day.
  • Side-changing Yatra:
    This Yatra is celebrated on the month Bhadrab Shukla Ekadasi (eleventh Day) as per Srimandir Panji, as the Mahaprabhu are asleep on this day and turn their backs.
  • Uththapan Yatra:
    This Yatra is celebrated on the month of Kartik Shukla Ekadasi (eleventh Day) as per Srimandir Panji, the Sayan ritual of deities is the end, Shree Jagannath awakens and the rituals are performed.
  • Pravana Sasti:
    The Pravan Sasti is celebrated in the month of Margasira Shukla Sasti tithi as per Srimandir Panji. During the day the deities are dressed in winter clothes according to the ritual to escape the onslaught of winter in the winter season.
  • Pusya Yatra:
    The Pusya yatra is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) tithi of the month of Poush as per Srimandir Panji. The bathing rituals of the deities are performed, and the bathing rituals are performed in the reflection of deities.
  • Uttarayan Yatra
    The Uttarayan Yatra is celebrated on the Makar Sankranti of Poush month. Makar Churashi Bhog Niti Alati, Bandapana, etc. are offered to the deities.
  • Dola Yatra :
    On the full moon day (Purnima) of Falgun month, the Dola yatra is celebrated and the deities brought to Dola mandap and the Suna Besha are performed.
  • Damanak Yatra :
    Damanak yatra is celebrated on the Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi tithi, the sebayats carry out the Damanak theft rituals on this occasion.
  • Chandan Yatra:
    Chandan Yatra is a 21-day festival that usually takes place in April-May. The deities are coated with sandalwood paste to protect them from the scorching heat. The festival also involves various rituals, boat rides, and the "nalabesa," where the deities are dressed in elephant-like attire.
  • Niladri Mohadaya:
    The Niladri Mohadoya Yatra is celebrated on the month of Baishakh Shukla Ashtami tithi as per Sri mandir Panji. On this day the Daru of deities is itself appeared and the inauguration of the temple was held.

These festivals, along with numerous others, contribute to the vibrant and diverse tapestry of traditions and celebrations surrounding the Jagannath Temple in Puri. They not only uphold the religious fervor but also showcase the cultural heritage and unity of the region.