{"id":41644,"date":"2026-06-29T20:01:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T14:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/?p=41644"},"modified":"2026-06-29T20:04:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T14:34:54","slug":"jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra &#038; How to Plan Your Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every July, a coastal town in Odisha swells with more people than most Indian cities hold. Puri&#8217;s Bada Danda fills shoulder-to-shoulder as three giant wooden chariots roll down the Grand Road. In 2025, Odisha police planned for around 15 lakh devotees on the opening days alone. If you&#8217;re thinking of going in 2026, here&#8217;s everything you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on Thursday, July 16 (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya). The festival draws an estimated 10-20 lakh devotees to Puri &#8211; over 20 lakh were served prasad in 2025. The chariots return on Bahuda Jatra, July 24. Book your stay months ahead &#8211; Puri sells out.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What most visitors miss: Rath Yatra isn&#8217;t a single day. It&#8217;s a three-week arc of rituals, from the deities&#8217; ceremonial bath in late June to their final re-entry into the temple in late July. Understanding that arc is the difference between catching a crowd and witnessing a story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In this Blog<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#When_is_Jagannath_Rath_Yatra_2026\" >When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#What_is_the_Full_Puri_Ritual_Calendar_for_2026\" >What is the Full Puri Ritual Calendar for 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#What_Are_the_Three_Chariots_of_Rath_Yatra\" >What Are the Three Chariots of Rath Yatra?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#What_Happens_on_Rath_Yatra_Day_in_Puri\" >What Happens on Rath Yatra Day in Puri?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#What_is_Bahuda_Jatra_and_the_Return_Rituals\" >What is Bahuda Jatra and the Return Rituals?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#How_Do_You_Plan_a_Visit_to_Puri_for_Rath_Yatra_2026\" >How Do You Plan a Visit to Puri for Rath Yatra 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#What_Are_the_Crowd-Safety_and_Temple-Entry_Rules\" >What Are the Crowd-Safety and Temple-Entry Rules?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#What_Else_Is_There_to_Do_in_Puri_Beyond_Rath_Yatra\" >What Else Is There to Do in Puri Beyond Rath Yatra?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#Marvel_at_the_Konark_Sun_Temple_35_km\" >Marvel at the Konark Sun Temple (35 km)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#Spot_Irrawaddy_Dolphins_on_Chilika_Lake_50_km\" >Spot Irrawaddy Dolphins on Chilika Lake (50 km)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#Watch_Pattachitra_Painters_at_Raghurajpur_and_Pipili\" >Watch Pattachitra Painters at Raghurajpur and Pipili<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#Unwind_on_the_Beaches_and_Visit_Gundicha_Temple\" >Unwind on the Beaches and Visit Gundicha Temple<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#Make_Rath_Yatra_2026_the_Heart_of_Your_Odisha_Trip\" >Make Rath Yatra 2026 the Heart of Your Odisha Trip<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"when-is-jagannath-rath-yatra-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_Jagannath_Rath_Yatra_2026\"><\/span><strong>When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The date is fixed by the Hindu lunar calendar, not the Gregorian one, so it shifts each year. It always lands on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya &#8211; the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dwitiya tithi begins at 11:50 AM on July 15 and ends at 8:52 AM on July 16, which places the main chariot procession squarely on the 16th. That&#8217;s why you&#8217;ll occasionally see the festival span two calendar dates in panchangs &#8211; the tithi straddles midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why does the date matter so much for planning? Because Puri&#8217;s hotels, trains and flights price and fill around it. Lock the 16th in your head, then build a buffer of two or three days on either side. The rituals before and after the main day are part of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a wider look at the state&#8217;s festival season, see our <em>Odisha festivals calendar<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-full-puri-ritual-calendar-for-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Full_Puri_Ritual_Calendar_for_2026\"><\/span><strong>What is the Full Puri Ritual Calendar for 2026?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Rath Yatra is the centrepiece of a roughly month-long sequence of around ten linked rituals. The cycle opens with Snana Purnima on June 29, 2026, when the deities receive a ceremonial bath from 108 pitchers of water. It closes with Niladri Bije in late July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the bath, the deities are believed to fall ill and enter Anasara &#8211; a 15-day seclusion (roughly June 30 to July 13) when they&#8217;re kept away from public view. They reappear refreshed at Netra Utsav, or Nabajauban Darshan, on July 14, with their eyes freshly repainted. Then comes the main event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to traditional belief, this is the rare occasion when the deities leave their sanctum and come to the people, rather than the other way around. That reversal is the festival&#8217;s whole emotional core &#8211; the divine steps out onto a public street where anyone can pull the rope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The full 2026 sequence: Snana Purnima (Jun 29) -&gt; Anasara (Jun 30-Jul 13) -&gt; Netra Utsav (Jul 14) -&gt; Rath Yatra (Jul 16) -&gt; Hera Panchami (Jul 20) -&gt; Sandhya Darshan (Jul 22) -&gt; Bahuda Jatra (Jul 24) -&gt; Suna Besha (Jul 25) -&gt; Adhara Pana (Jul 26) -&gt; Niladri Bije (Jul 27). Treat the late-July dates as provisional until the temple administration publishes its official 2026 calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-three-chariots-of-rath-yatra\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Three_Chariots_of_Rath_Yatra\"><\/span><strong>What Are the Three Chariots of Rath Yatra?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Puri_Ratha_Yatra-edited-270x152.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The festival features three newly built wooden chariots, one for each deity. Lord Jagannath rides Nandighosa (45 ft, 16 wheels), his brother Balabhadra rides Taladhwaja (44 ft, 14 wheels), and their sister Subhadra rides Darpadalana (43 ft, 12 wheels). Each is rebuilt from scratch every single year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The chariots aren&#8217;t just big &#8211; they&#8217;re coded. Jagannath&#8217;s Nandighosa wears red and yellow, the yellow echoing Krishna&#8217;s Pitambara robes. Balabhadra&#8217;s Taladhwaja carries a palm-tree flag and red-and-blue cloth. Subhadra&#8217;s Darpadalana &#8211; &#8220;trampler of pride&#8221; &#8211; is draped in red and black, the black tied to Shakti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The order on the road is fixed too. Balabhadra&#8217;s chariot leads, Subhadra&#8217;s follows in the middle, and Jagannath&#8217;s brings up the rear. For a sense of how craft traditions like this shape Indian travel, see our <em>heritage craft trails of India<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-happens-on-rath-yatra-day-in-puri\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_on_Rath_Yatra_Day_in_Puri\"><\/span><strong>What Happens on Rath Yatra Day in Puri?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/photo-1706790574525-d218c4c52b5c.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41667\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On July 16, the day begins not with the pulling but with Pahandi &#8211; the ceremonial procession that carries the deities from the temple to their chariots in a swaying, rhythmic gait. The Gajapati King of Puri then performs Chhera Pahanra, sweeping the chariot platforms with a gold-handled broom. Only after that do the ropes go taut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pulling itself is the moment everyone comes for. Thousands grip thick coir ropes and haul the chariots roughly 2.5 to 3 km from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be the deities&#8217; aunt&#8217;s home. Touching the rope is considered deeply auspicious &#8211; which is exactly why the crush is heaviest here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The King&#8217;s act of sweeping carries a famous message: before the gods, the most powerful ruler and the humblest devotee are equal. It&#8217;s a piece of living theatre about humility, performed in front of millions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The deities stay at Gundicha for a week. If you can only spare one day, the 16th is it &#8211; but the return journey is arguably calmer and just as moving. Looking for somewhere to recover after the crowds? Browse our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/\"><em>luxury villas and stays near Puri<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-bahuda-jatra-and-the-return-rituals\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Bahuda_Jatra_and_the_Return_Rituals\"><\/span><strong>What is Bahuda Jatra and the Return Rituals?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bahuda Jatra &#8211; the return journey &#8211; takes place on July 24, 2026, eight days after the main procession. The chariots are pulled back from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple along the same Bada Danda. It carries the same energy as day one, often with thinner crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The day after Bahuda comes Suna Besha (July 25), when the deities are adorned on the chariots in elaborate gold ornaments &#8211; one of the most photographed moments of the entire cycle. Then Adhara Pana (July 26), a sweet ritual drink offered atop the chariots, and finally Niladri Bije (July 27), the deities&#8217; emotional re-entry into the sanctum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Niladri Bije has a charming legend attached. Lord Jagannath is said to placate an annoyed Goddess Lakshmi &#8211; locked out during his nine-day absence &#8211; with an offering of Rasagola, which is why many in Odisha mark this as the sweet&#8217;s &#8220;birthday.&#8221; It&#8217;s a lovely note to end a trip on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if your schedule allows, staying through July 24-25 lets you see both the return and the golden attire. That&#8217;s a quieter, more rewarding window than the day-one scramble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-do-you-plan-a-visit-to-puri-for-rath-yatra-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Plan_a_Visit_to_Puri_for_Rath_Yatra_2026\"><\/span><strong>How Do You Plan a Visit to Puri for Rath Yatra 2026?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting to Puri is straightforward. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI), about 60 km and 1.5 hours away by road. Puri Railway Station sits just 2 km from the temple, and NH-16 connects the town by road. Book transport early &#8211; seats vanish around the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For watching the procession, position yourself anywhere along Bada Danda (Grand Road), the wide avenue the chariots travel. The safest, clearest views come from elevated spots &#8211; rooftops, balconies, or hotel terraces facing the Grand Road. Street-level near the chariots is thrilling but punishingly dense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>How to reach<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Details<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Time<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Air<\/td><td>Bhubaneswar (BBI), 60 km<\/td><td>~1.5 hrs by road<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rail<\/td><td>Puri Station, 2 km from temple<\/td><td>Direct trains from Bhubaneswar<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Road<\/td><td>Via NH-16, buses &amp; taxis<\/td><td>~1.5-2 hrs from Bhubaneswar<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On accommodation: Book months ahead. Puri&#8217;s hotels and homestays sell out completely for Rath Yatra, and prices climb the closer you get. Properties along the sea-beach belt or within reach of Grand Road are most convenient. For groups travelling together, a private villa beats scattered hotel rooms &#8211; see our <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/\">villas near Puri and Odisha<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our travel desk&#8217;s tip:\u00a0 Aim to arrive in Puri by July 14 or 15. You&#8217;ll catch Netra Utsav, settle in before the surge, and avoid the festival-day traffic gridlock that traps last-minute arrivals on the highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-crowdsafety-and-templeentry-rules\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Crowd-Safety_and_Temple-Entry_Rules\"><\/span><strong>What Are the Crowd-Safety and Temple-Entry Rules?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safety first: this is one of India&#8217;s largest gatherings. In 2024, lakhs of devotees arrived under a deployment of around 10,000 security personnel, and 2026 will add AI cameras and drones. Past surges have caused injuries, so the crush around the chariots is not to be underestimated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practical steps: arrive early in the morning before Pahandi, stay hydrated in the July heat and humidity, wear footwear you can slip off easily, and keep children and elderly relatives in booked, elevated vantage points rather than in the street. Carry water, ID, light cotton clothing, rain cover and minimal valuables. Follow Odisha Police barricade instructions without exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One rule trips up many first-time visitors. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the Jagannath Temple &#8211; a multilingual board at the Lion&#8217;s Gate states this plainly. Crucially, though, this applies only to the temple interior. The Rath Yatra procession on Bada Danda is open to absolutely everyone &#8211; every traveller can watch the chariots and even help pull the ropes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-else-is-there-to-do-in-puri-beyond-rath-yatra\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Else_Is_There_to_Do_in_Puri_Beyond_Rath_Yatra\"><\/span><strong>What Else Is There to Do in Puri Beyond Rath Yatra?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Puri anchors Odisha&#8217;s &#8220;Golden Triangle&#8221; of tourism with Bhubaneswar and Konark, so the festival pairs perfectly with a few days of sightseeing. The 13th-century Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, sits just 35 km away. Here&#8217;s what&#8217;s worth your time once the chariots stop rolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"marvel-at-the-konark-sun-temple-35-km\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Marvel_at_the_Konark_Sun_Temple_35_km\"><\/span><strong>Marvel at the Konark Sun Temple (35 km)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/photo-1677211352662-30e7775c7ce8.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41665\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Konark is the showstopper. King Narasimhadeva I built it in the 13th century as a colossal stone chariot for the sun god Surya, with 24 carved wheels and seven straining horses. It&#8217;s open daily from sunrise to sunset, and entry is just Rs 40 for Indian visitors. Go early to beat the heat on the unshaded stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Time your trip for the Konark Dance Festival (December 1-5) if you can, when classical dancers perform against the floodlit temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"spot-irrawaddy-dolphins-on-chilika-lake-50-km\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spot_Irrawaddy_Dolphins_on_Chilika_Lake_50_km\"><\/span><strong>Spot Irrawaddy Dolphins on Chilika Lake (50 km)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"678\" height=\"581\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/photo-1718696070531-7c34bee582db.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41666\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About 50 km south lies Chilika, Asia&#8217;s largest brackish-water lagoon and a Ramsar wetland. From the Satapada jetty, motorboats head out to spot endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, best seen on calm mornings between October and March. There&#8217;s no ticket &#8211; you pay for the boat &#8211; so book through an OTDC-registered operator and insist on life jackets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"watch-pattachitra-painters-at-raghurajpur-and-pipili\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Watch_Pattachitra_Painters_at_Raghurajpur_and_Pipili\"><\/span><strong>Watch Pattachitra Painters at Raghurajpur and Pipili<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For living craft, two villages are unmissable. Raghurajpur (14 km) is Odisha&#8217;s Pattachitra heartland, where around 120 artist homes double as open workshops &#8211; it even makes the ceremonial &#8220;patas&#8221; used on the Rath Yatra chariots. Pipili (40 km), on the Bhubaneswar road, is famous for its vivid applique canopies. Both are free; carry cash and buy straight from the makers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"unwind-on-the-beaches-and-visit-gundicha-temple\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unwind_on_the_Beaches_and_Visit_Gundicha_Temple\"><\/span><strong>Unwind on the Beaches and Visit Gundicha Temple<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back in town, Puri&#8217;s Golden Beach earned a Blue Flag tag in 2020 for its cleanliness &#8211; swim only near the conical-hatted &#8220;nulia&#8221; lifeguards, since the currents run strong. A short ride away sits the Gundicha Temple, the chariots&#8217; destination. Unusually, non-Hindus may enter it during Rath Yatra, when the deities are in residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Attraction<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>From Puri<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Entry<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Konark Sun Temple<\/td><td>35 km<\/td><td>Rs 40 (Indians)<\/td><td>Architecture, history<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chilika (Satapada)<\/td><td>50 km<\/td><td>Boat hire<\/td><td>Dolphins, birds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Raghurajpur<\/td><td>14 km<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>Pattachitra art<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pipili<\/td><td>40 km<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>Applique crafts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Golden Beach<\/td><td>In town<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>Sunrise, sand art<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gundicha Temple<\/td><td>3 km<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>Rath Yatra site<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our finding:&nbsp; Most Rath Yatra visitors fly in and out for the single day. Stretching the trip to three or four days turns a pilgrimage into a proper Odisha holiday &#8211; and spreads you across quieter attractions while the Bada Danda crowds thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want a comfortable base for all of it? Browse our <em>villas and homestays near Puri and Konark<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782737693743\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is the date of Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2026?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on Thursday, July 16, the day of Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. The chariots return on Bahuda Jatra, July 24, with Suna Besha on July 25 and Niladri Bije around July 27.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782737983932\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can non-Hindus and foreigners attend Puri Rath Yatra?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes &#8211; anyone can watch the Rath Yatra procession and even pull the chariot ropes on Bada Danda. However, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple itself. The street festival is fully open to all.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782738006790\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How many people attend the Puri Rath Yatra?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">An estimated 10-20 lakh devotees attend each year. In 2025, Odisha police anticipated around 15 lakh on the opening days, and over 20 lakh were served prasad during the festival. Exact totals are official estimates, not headcounts.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782738030398\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What are the names of the three Rath Yatra chariots?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The three chariots are Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath, 45 ft, 16 wheels), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra, 44 ft, 14 wheels) and Darpadalana (Subhadra, 43 ft, 12 wheels). All three are built new every year from specified woods.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782738046868\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is Bahuda Jatra?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Bahuda Jatra is the return journey of the deities from the Gundicha Temple back to the Jagannath Temple, on July 24, 2026 &#8211; eight days after the main Rath Yatra. It&#8217;s followed by the golden Suna Besha attire on July 25.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"make-rath-yatra-2026-the-heart-of-your-odisha-trip\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make_Rath_Yatra_2026_the_Heart_of_Your_Odisha_Trip\"><\/span><strong><strong>Make Rath Yatra 2026 the Heart of Your Odisha Trip<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rath Yatra is less an event than a journey you watch unfold over three weeks. Plan around it and you&#8217;ll see far more than chariots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mark July 16, 2026 for the main procession, and July 24 for Bahuda Jatra.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arrive by July 14-15 to ease into the crowds and catch Netra Utsav.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book accommodation months ahead &#8211; Puri sells out entirely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anyone can join the procession, even though the temple interior is restricted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respect the crowd-safety guidance &#8211; this is one of India&#8217;s biggest gatherings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to plan your trip? Explore our <em>villas and homestays in Puri<\/em> and make the festival the centre of a proper Odisha holiday. For more ideas, read our <em>complete Odisha travel guide<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every July, a coastal town in Odisha swells with more people than most Indian cities hold. Puri&#8217;s Bada Danda fills shoulder-to-shoulder as three giant wooden chariots roll down the Grand&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":41662,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[820],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41644","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-itineraries"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra &amp; How to Plan Your Visit - StayVista Journal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on July 16. Get the full Puri ritual calendar, the three chariots explained, Bahuda Jatra dates and how to plan your trip.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra &amp; How to Plan Your Visit - StayVista Journal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on July 16. Get the full Puri ritual calendar, the three chariots explained, Bahuda Jatra dates and how to plan your trip.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"StayVista Journal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/stayvista\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-29T14:31:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-29T14:34:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1536\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Tanmayi Ghatge\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Tanmayi Ghatge\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5ede0b8091a20987cf6df90c4e87a170\"},\"headline\":\"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra &#038; How to Plan Your Visit\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-29T14:31:35+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-29T14:34:54+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2257,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Guides &amp; Itineraries\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/\",\"name\":\"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra & How to Plan Your Visit - StayVista Journal\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-29T14:31:35+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-29T14:34:54+00:00\",\"description\":\"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on July 16. Get the full Puri ritual calendar, the three chariots explained, Bahuda Jatra dates and how to plan your trip.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782737693743\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782737983932\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782738006790\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782738030398\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782738046868\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg\",\"width\":1536,\"height\":1024},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Guides &amp; Itineraries\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/guides-itineraries\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra &#038; How to Plan Your Visit\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"StayVista Journal\",\"description\":\"Travel Blog\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"StayVista Blog\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sv-white-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sv-white-logo.png\",\"width\":686,\"height\":313,\"caption\":\"StayVista Blog\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/stayvista\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/stayvista_official\\\/?hl=en\",\"https:\\\/\\\/in.pinterest.com\\\/stayvista_official\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5ede0b8091a20987cf6df90c4e87a170\",\"name\":\"Tanmayi Ghatge\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/tanmayi-ghatge_avatar-96x96.jpeg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/tanmayi-ghatge_avatar-96x96.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/tanmayi-ghatge_avatar-96x96.jpeg\",\"caption\":\"Tanmayi Ghatge\"},\"description\":\"My path to writing began in digital marketing, backed by an MBA in marketing and a curiosity for how ideas connect with people. Somewhere between campaigns and posts, I discovered the joy of writing - and the impact words can have beyond numbers. What started as a skill soon turned into a passion for creating content that connects beyond metrics. Today, I bring together strategy and creativity to craft content that informs, feels relevant, and genuinely resonates. Beyond the desk, you\u2019ll find me lost in colors, painting, sketching or simply bringing DIY ideas to life - always looking for new ways to express ideas, on and off the page.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/tanmayig\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782737693743\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782737693743\",\"name\":\"What is the date of Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2026?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on Thursday, July 16, the day of Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. The chariots return on Bahuda Jatra, July 24, with Suna Besha on July 25 and Niladri Bije around July 27.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782737983932\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782737983932\",\"name\":\"Can non-Hindus and foreigners attend Puri Rath Yatra?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes - anyone can watch the Rath Yatra procession and even pull the chariot ropes on Bada Danda. However, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple itself. The street festival is fully open to all.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782738006790\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782738006790\",\"name\":\"How many people attend the Puri Rath Yatra?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"An estimated 10-20 lakh devotees attend each year. In 2025, Odisha police anticipated around 15 lakh on the opening days, and over 20 lakh were served prasad during the festival. Exact totals are official estimates, not headcounts.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782738030398\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782738030398\",\"name\":\"What are the names of the three Rath Yatra chariots?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The three chariots are Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath, 45 ft, 16 wheels), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra, 44 ft, 14 wheels) and Darpadalana (Subhadra, 43 ft, 12 wheels). All three are built new every year from specified woods.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782738046868\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.stayvista.com\\\/blog\\\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\\\/#faq-question-1782738046868\",\"name\":\"What is Bahuda Jatra?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Bahuda Jatra is the return journey of the deities from the Gundicha Temple back to the Jagannath Temple, on July 24, 2026 - eight days after the main Rath Yatra. It's followed by the golden Suna Besha attire on July 25.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra & How to Plan Your Visit - StayVista Journal","description":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on July 16. Get the full Puri ritual calendar, the three chariots explained, Bahuda Jatra dates and how to plan your trip.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra & How to Plan Your Visit - StayVista Journal","og_description":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on July 16. Get the full Puri ritual calendar, the three chariots explained, Bahuda Jatra dates and how to plan your trip.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/","og_site_name":"StayVista Journal","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/stayvista","article_published_time":"2026-06-29T14:31:35+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-06-29T14:34:54+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1536,"height":1024,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Tanmayi Ghatge","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/"},"author":{"name":"Tanmayi Ghatge","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5ede0b8091a20987cf6df90c4e87a170"},"headline":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra &#038; How to Plan Your Visit","datePublished":"2026-06-29T14:31:35+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-29T14:34:54+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/"},"wordCount":2257,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg","articleSection":["Guides &amp; Itineraries"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/","url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/","name":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra & How to Plan Your Visit - StayVista Journal","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg","datePublished":"2026-06-29T14:31:35+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-29T14:34:54+00:00","description":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on July 16. Get the full Puri ritual calendar, the three chariots explained, Bahuda Jatra dates and how to plan your trip.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782737693743"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782737983932"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782738006790"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782738030398"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782738046868"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-05_13_28-PM.jpg","width":1536,"height":1024},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Guides &amp; Itineraries","item":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/category\/guides-itineraries\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Date, Puri Rituals, Bahuda Jatra &#038; How to Plan Your Visit"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/","name":"StayVista Journal","description":"Travel Blog","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"StayVista Blog","url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sv-white-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sv-white-logo.png","width":686,"height":313,"caption":"StayVista Blog"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/stayvista","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/stayvista_official\/?hl=en","https:\/\/in.pinterest.com\/stayvista_official\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5ede0b8091a20987cf6df90c4e87a170","name":"Tanmayi Ghatge","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tanmayi-ghatge_avatar-96x96.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tanmayi-ghatge_avatar-96x96.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tanmayi-ghatge_avatar-96x96.jpeg","caption":"Tanmayi Ghatge"},"description":"My path to writing began in digital marketing, backed by an MBA in marketing and a curiosity for how ideas connect with people. Somewhere between campaigns and posts, I discovered the joy of writing - and the impact words can have beyond numbers. What started as a skill soon turned into a passion for creating content that connects beyond metrics. Today, I bring together strategy and creativity to craft content that informs, feels relevant, and genuinely resonates. Beyond the desk, you\u2019ll find me lost in colors, painting, sketching or simply bringing DIY ideas to life - always looking for new ways to express ideas, on and off the page.","url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/author\/tanmayig\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782737693743","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782737693743","name":"What is the date of Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2026?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 falls on Thursday, July 16, the day of Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. The chariots return on Bahuda Jatra, July 24, with Suna Besha on July 25 and Niladri Bije around July 27.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782737983932","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782737983932","name":"Can non-Hindus and foreigners attend Puri Rath Yatra?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes - anyone can watch the Rath Yatra procession and even pull the chariot ropes on Bada Danda. However, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple itself. The street festival is fully open to all.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782738006790","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782738006790","name":"How many people attend the Puri Rath Yatra?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"An estimated 10-20 lakh devotees attend each year. In 2025, Odisha police anticipated around 15 lakh on the opening days, and over 20 lakh were served prasad during the festival. Exact totals are official estimates, not headcounts.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782738030398","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782738030398","name":"What are the names of the three Rath Yatra chariots?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The three chariots are Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath, 45 ft, 16 wheels), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra, 44 ft, 14 wheels) and Darpadalana (Subhadra, 43 ft, 12 wheels). All three are built new every year from specified woods.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782738046868","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/jagannath-rath-yatra-2026-date-puri-rituals-bahuda-jatra-how-to-plan-your-visit\/#faq-question-1782738046868","name":"What is Bahuda Jatra?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Bahuda Jatra is the return journey of the deities from the Gundicha Temple back to the Jagannath Temple, on July 24, 2026 - eight days after the main Rath Yatra. It's followed by the golden Suna Besha attire on July 25.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41644","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41644"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41644\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41670,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41644\/revisions\/41670"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41644"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41644"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stayvista.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41644"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}