India has long been known as the land of spirituality. There is nothing quite like the raw human experiences and the power of collective faith in a massive spiritual gathering. At the pinnacle of it is India’s iconic chariot festival, Rath Yatra, that takes place in Puri, Odisha. It is considered one of the most significant and visually spectacular spiritual events, drawing millions to witness the centuries-old tradition. It is a celebration where divinity transcends the temple walls and steps onto the streets to meet the public. Established in 1968, Delhi’s oldest Shri Jagannath Temple brings this revered Puri tradition to the capital each year. But for the first time, three grand chariots will move simultaneously instead of just one. Rath Yatra 2026 is set to take place on Thursday, July 16, continuing its week-long festivities till Monday, July 27, 2026. Here’s what you can expect in this grand procession.
Rath Yatra 2026 – Thyagraj Nagar, New Delhi
Rath Yatra is a sacred journey that symbolises divine accessibility, equality and compassion. At the centre of it is Lord Jagannath, who, with his brother, Lord Balabhadra and sister, Goddess Subhadra and Shree Sudarshan, journeys to their maternal house. Yet what makes this simple tradition profoundly special is the chariots that house the three deities. They act as moving temples powered by the hands and devotion of the people. Delhi’s oldest Shri Jagannath Temple in Thyagraj Nagar has kept the tradition alive in the capital for decades. This year, the multi-kilometre procession is set to weave through the streets of Delhi. Moreover, it is expected to draw a massive ocean of 1.5 lakh devotees. However, for the first time, taking after Puri’s tradition, the temple is introducing three separate, beautifully adorned chariots for the three deities.
What to expect?
The festival is bringing sheer visual grandeur of the triple convoy accompanied by the sounds of conch, devotional music, collective prayers, and the chants of Jai Jagannath. Participation and entry is open to everyone regardless of religion, background or community, with no tickets or registration required. Moreover, it gives every single attendee an auspicious opportunity to step forward and pull the sacred ropes of the rath (or chariots). Moreover, Rath Yatra is accompanied by conch sounds, temple bells, divine chants and kirtans, bhajan mandalis, and spiritual plays. Attendees can also witness full-day Odia cultural performances, including Odissi dance and traditional Odia rituals.
Along with the blessings of Lord Jagannath, the temple is also serving free mahaprasad and bhandara food from 12 PM to 3 PM. Additionally, temple management and volunteer teams ensure the comfort and safety of all attendees, including drinking water stations, clean restrooms, senior-citizen and child-friendly arrangements, medical aid, dedicated first-aid counters, and help desks. The main rituals begin at 4:15 AM, Pahandi at 10:30 AM, and the major chariot procession kicks off at 2 PM from Gate 1 of the temple. Major rituals such as Hera Panchami, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha on Rath, Adhara Pana, and Niladri Bije follow through the week until Monday, July 27, 2026. Find the full schedule of Thursday’s rituals and the following days here.
Week-long festivities:
16 July 2026: Rath Yatra, chariot procession begins
20 July 2026: Hera Panchami. Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple with a unique ritual of showcasing divine relationships
24 July 2026: Bahuda Yatra. The return of the three deities after a week at the Gundicha Temple
25 July 2026: Suna Besa. The magnificent adornment of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra in shimmering gold attire
26 July 2026: Aadhar Pana. Offering of a sacred herbal drink to the deities
27 July 2026: Niladri Bije. Lord Jagannath re-enters the main temple, offering rasgullas to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her permission to enter.
Jai Jagannath
Key Information
đź“…Thursday, July 16 to Monday, July 27, 2026
⏰Main rituals: 4:15 AM onwards
Chariot procession (Rath Yatra): 2 PM onwards
🎟️ Entry is free and open to all
đź“ŤGate 1, Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, New Delhi
