Rath Yatra — the chariot festival of Lord Jagannath — is one of India's largest and most ancient festivals. Pulling the chariot rope is said to earn the merit of a hundred yagnas. The festival has spread worldwide through ISKCON, making it one of the most internationally recognized Hindu festivals.
Quick Answer
Rath Yatra 2026: June 27. Three chariots pulled through Puri's Bada Danda. Deity stays 9 days at Gundicha Temple, returns (Bahuda Rath Yatra). Pulling the chariot rope is deeply auspicious. ISKCON organizes Rath Yatras in cities worldwide — London, New York, Sydney.
Significance of Pulling the Chariot
Pulling the Rath Yatra rope is one of the most meritorious acts in Hindu tradition. Ancient texts state merely seeing the chariot grants liberation. Uniquely, Lord Jagannath comes out of the temple and is accessible to all on the streets — regardless of caste. This democratization of darshan was revolutionary and remains the festival's central spiritual message.
Puri — City of Jagannath
Puri is one of the four sacred Char Dhams. The Jagannath Temple's kitchen feeds over 10,000 daily — the world's largest. The Mahaprasad (cooked offering) is sacred and eaten by all without caste distinction.
Rath Yatra Worldwide
ISKCON has spread Rath Yatra globally. The London and San Francisco Rath Yatras draw hundreds of thousands of participants, bringing the festival to Indian diaspora and non-Indian communities worldwide.
💡 Family tradition tip
Document your family's Rath Yatra connection — whether you have been to Puri, participated in a local Rath Yatra, or have a family tradition of watching the festival. Lord Jagannath's tradition of welcoming all is worth passing on.