Defying persistent rainfall, thousands of devotees gathered at the Kankana Shikhari Temple in Odisha’s Khordha district on Thursday to witness the state’s unique Chilika Water Rath Yatra 2026, where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra travelled on traditional chariots mounted on interconnected boats instead of wooden chariots pulled along roads.
Held amid the serene backwaters of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, the centuries-old festival remains one of Odisha’s most distinctive celebrations of the annual Rath Yatra.
A Rare Water-Borne Rath Yatra
Unlike the famous Rath Yatra in Puri, where the chariots roll along the Bada Danda (Grand Road), the Chilika festival unfolds entirely on water.
The divine procession begins at Yamuna Ghat in Nairi village and reaches the historic Kankana Shikhari Temple, located on a picturesque hillock surrounded by the Chilika backwaters.
For devotees, the waters of Chilika symbolically become the Bada Danda, transforming the lagoon into a sacred route for the Holy Trinity’s annual journey.
Chariots Built on Interconnected Boats
To recreate the traditional Rath Yatra, organisers securely fastened three boats together with ropes and constructed the three iconic chariots:
- Nandighosa for Lord Jagannath
- Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra
- Darpadalana for Devi Subhadra
Following the sacred Pahandi ritual, the deities were ceremonially placed on the boat-mounted chariots and taken around a 1.5-kilometre circuit of the Kankana Shikhari creek.
The divine voyage lasted nearly an hour before the deities returned to the temple premises amid devotional celebrations.
Rituals Mirror the Puri Tradition
Organisers said every major ritual was performed in accordance with the traditions followed at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, preserving the spiritual essence of the festival.
A member of the Shree Jagannath Leelakshetra Trust said the continuous rain, which had persisted since Wednesday, unexpectedly stopped shortly after the Pahandi procession began around 1 pm, allowing the rituals to continue smoothly.
Devotees Fill the Backwaters with Devotion
The atmosphere around the temple echoed with chants of “Jai Jagannath”, accompanied by the sounds of conch shells, bells, mridangam, cymbals and devotional kirtans.
Devotees from nearby villages and different parts of Odisha gathered to witness the rare spectacle, turning the tranquil waters of Chilika into a vibrant centre of faith and celebration.
To help pilgrims reach the temple, the Kalijai Motor Boat Association provided free ferry services between Yamuna Ghat and Kankana Shikhari Temple, located around 500 metres across the water.
Tight Security Arrangements in Place
Police deployed two platoons of security personnel along with five senior officers to oversee crowd management, maintain law and order, and ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
Temple’s Historic Link to Lord Jagannath
The Kankana Shikhari Temple holds immense historical significance in Odisha’s religious history.
According to tradition, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were sheltered at the temple during the Mughal invasion of Puri in 1731 to protect them from invading forces.
The annual Water Rath Yatra commemorates this period of divine exile, symbolising Lord Jagannath’s refuge in the wilderness, safeguarded by nature and the unwavering faith of devotees.
Today, the festival continues to preserve this extraordinary chapter of Odisha’s spiritual heritage, making it one of the state’s most unique Rath Yatra celebrations.
