The sacred Puri Rath Yatra 2026 resumed on Friday morning as the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra once again rolled along the historic Bada Danda (Grand Road) towards the revered Gundicha Temple.
With the resumption of the chariot pulling, an overwhelming atmosphere of faith and devotion engulfed the pilgrim town. Thousands of devotees lined the Grand Road, chanting “Jai Jagannath” and offering prayers as the Holy Trinity continued their annual journey amid traditional rituals and spiritual fervour.
The chariot procession had been halted on Thursday after the three chariots could not complete the journey due to delays in rituals and the massive turnout of devotees. Following the completion of the morning rituals atop the chariots, servitors resumed the sacred procession on Friday.
Devotees from across Odisha and different parts of the country gathered to witness the divine journey, considered one of the most significant events in the annual Rath Yatra. The spiritual spectacle transformed Puri into a sea of devotion, with the sound of conch shells, cymbals and devotional chants echoing across the Bada Danda.
The annual sojourn of the Holy Trinity to the Gundicha Temple remains one of the defining traditions of the Jagannath culture, symbolising compassion, inclusivity and the Lord’s desire to bless devotees beyond the sanctum of the temple.
