The majestic three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra now stand silent and empty before the Singhadwara of the Shri Jagannath Temple.
The world-famous Rath Yatra (Ghosa Yatra) of 2026 has officially concluded after the deities completed the sacred Niladri Bije ritual and returned to their eternal abode on the Ratna Singhasana inside the Srimandir.
On Tuesday morning, Bhoi Sevaks carefully dismantled the traditional wooden accessories that had adorned the chariots throughout the festival. Sarathis (charioteers), horses, Sakhis, Parshwa Debadebi (side deities), Hansapata, Kanyapata, Thekarabada and other ritual ornaments were removed one by one. These sacred items were formally handed over to the temple administration and securely stored in the godown for future use.
Temple sources confirmed that the final phase of the festival’s traditional rituals will now begin. Once official orders are issued by the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration, the age-old “Rath Bhanga” (chariot dismantling) work will commence, bringing the grand nine-day celebration to its complete and ceremonial close.
Devotees who witnessed the empty chariots described the moment as both solemn and beautiful — a quiet reminder that after the joyous journey of the Lord, He has once again returned home to Niladri.
