The divine air of Puri, Odisha, is once again filled with devotion and grandeur as the annual Snana Purnima festival marks the ceremonial beginning of the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025. Observed this year on June 11, Snana Purnima, also known as Snana Yatra, is one of the most sacred and visually spectacular rituals in the Jagannath Temple calendar.
What is Snana Purnima?
Snana Purnima is the only day of the year when the sacred triad — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra — are brought out in full public view on the Snana Mandap (bathing platform) for a grand ceremonial bath. According to temple tradition, 108 pots of sacred water drawn from the temple’s Golden Well are used in this elaborate purification ritual.
This sacred bath symbolizes the cooling down of the deities during the peak of summer and marks the formal commencement of the Rath Yatra festivities.
Post-Bathing Rituals: The Deities Enter Rest
Following the ritualistic bathing, the deities are dressed in Gaja Besha (elephant attire) and are then moved into seclusion — a special chamber called Anavasara Ghara. This marks the start of the Anavasara period (June 13–26), during which the deities are believed to fall ill due to the extensive bath and are kept away from public view.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Full Schedule
This year, the Rath Yatra — one of the world’s largest spiritual processions — will be observed from June 27 to July 5, 2025, drawing lakhs of pilgrims and tourists to the temple town of Puri.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the key events:
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Snana Purnima | June 11, 2025 | Bathing of the deities with 108 pots of water; public viewing on Snana Mandap. |
| Anavasara (Rest Period) | June 13–26, 2025 | Deities recuperate out of public view in Anavasara Ghara. |
| Gundicha Marjana | June 26, 2025 | Cleaning of the Gundicha Temple, the deities’ destination. |
| Rath Yatra | June 27, 2025 | Grand procession of chariots to the Gundicha Temple. |
| Hera Panchami | July 1, 2025 | Symbolic visit of Goddess Lakshmi to Gundicha Temple. |
| Bahuda Yatra | July 4, 2025 | Return journey of the deities to Jagannath Temple. |
| Suna Besha | July 5, 2025 | Deities adorned in golden attire atop their chariots. |
| Niladri Bijay | July 5, 2025 | Final return of the deities to the sanctum of the main temple. |
The Chariots: Sacred Vehicles of the Divine
During Rath Yatra, each deity rides a uniquely designed wooden chariot along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) toward the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be their maternal aunt’s home.
- Lord Jagannath’s Chariot – Nandighosa: 18 wheels, 45 feet high
- Lord Balabhadra’s Chariot – Taladhwaja: 16 wheels
- Goddess Subhadra’s Chariot – Darpadalana: 14 wheels
These chariots are built anew each year by traditional craftsmen using sacred wood, in keeping with ancient temple traditions.
Spiritual Significance & Global Appeal
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than a religious event—it’s a powerful spiritual and cultural phenomenon that transcends geography and beliefs. Devotees from all over India and the world gather in Puri, seeking a glimpse of the divine and the opportunity to pull the chariots, which is considered highly auspicious.
With heightened security and grand arrangements, the temple town transforms into a spiritual haven, uniting people in devotion, joy, and celebration.
Final Thoughts
Snana Purnima and the Jagannath Rath Yatra are profound expressions of faith, ritual precision, and cultural richness. Whether you are attending in person or participating in spirit, these festivals offer a deep connection to tradition, devotion, and the divine presence of the Lord of the Universe — Jagannath.
“Rath Yatra is not just a journey of deities on chariots, but a journey of the soul towards spiritual awakening.”