The sacred Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple, will be observed in Puri on Friday. Following the completion of the deities’ Janma Bedi Leela, elaborate preparations have been completed for one of the most significant events of the annual Rath Yatra festival.
The three chariots—Nandighosha, Taladhwaja and Darpadalana—are positioned on the Grand Road, ready for the ceremonial procession.
Bahuda Yatra 2026 Schedule
According to the official schedule:
- Pahandi procession: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm
- Chhera Pahanra ritual: 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
- Chariot pulling begins: 4:00 pm
The ceremonial sweeping of the chariots, known as Chhera Pahanra, will be performed by the Gajapati Maharaja before devotees begin pulling the chariots towards the Jagannath Temple.
Morning Rituals Begin Early
The day’s rituals commenced with Mangala Alati at 4:00 am, followed by Mailam, Tadapalagi, Rosha Homa and Abakasha rituals.
Other important rituals include Surya Puja, Dwarapala Puja, Gopala Ballava and Sakala Dhupa offerings. Between 7:00 am and 11:30 am, the Daitapati servitors perform the Sena Pata Lagi ritual, while Mangal Arpana is scheduled at 11:45 am, shortly before the Pahandi procession begins.
After reaching the Jagamohan entrance, the deities will be adorned with the traditional Tahia, offered by the Raghav Das Math.
Traditional Rituals During the Return Journey
Before the procession begins, Vishwakarma and Bhoi servitors will prepare and secure the chariots under the supervision of the chariot management team.
During the return journey, the deities will receive the traditional Poda Pitha offering at the Mausi Maa Temple, one of the most cherished rituals associated with Bahuda Yatra.
While the Taladhwaja and Darpadalana chariots will proceed directly towards the Singhadwara of the Jagannath Temple, Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot will halt near the royal palace for the Lakshmi-Narayan Bheta ritual.
During this ceremony, Goddess Lakshmi is ceremonially brought in a palanquin to meet Lord Jagannath. After receiving the Lord’s Ajnamala, she returns to the temple, following which the Nandighosha chariot resumes its journey to the Singhadwara.
Spiritual Significance
According to Hindu tradition, witnessing the Bahuda Yatra is considered highly auspicious. Devotees believe that having the darshan of the Holy Trinity during the return journey bestows spiritual merit equivalent to performing an Ashwamedha Yajna and grants the blessings of Vaikuntha.
With lakhs of devotees expected in Puri, authorities have made extensive arrangements for crowd management, security, traffic regulation and emergency services to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
