Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Heavy Rain Halts Rath Yatra Rituals in Puri
In Puri, Odisha, heavy rain caused the suspension of the ‘Dakshina Moda’ ritual during the Rath Yatra.
This ritual involves turning the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra southwards towards the main temple.
The ritual for two of the three chariots was halted due to the rain, while the third chariot completed its turn before the rain started.
The suspended ritual is scheduled to resume the next day.
The rain has been intermittent since the Rath Yatra began on July 16.
The Bahuda Yatra, which marks the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple, is scheduled for July 24.
Heavy rain and waterlogging in Puri forced the suspension of the ‘Dakshina Moda’ ritual for two chariots during the Rath Yatra.
Goddess Subhadra’s chariot completed its southward turn before the rain began.
The ritual for Lord Balabhadra’s chariot was suspended midway, and Lord Jagannath’s chariot has not yet been turned.
The suspended ritual is scheduled to resume on July 22, 2023.
The Bahuda Yatra, marking the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple, is scheduled for July 24, 2023.
- Who
- Authorities, Devotees, Servitors
- What
- Suspension of the ‘Dakshina Moda’ ritual due to heavy rain
- When
- July 21, 2023
- Where
- Puri, Odisha
- Why
- Heavy rain and waterlogging made it unsafe to continue the ritual
Devotees and Servitors
Weather Conditions
Ritual Suspension
Devotees and Servitors
Devotees and servitors may be disappointed by the suspension of the ritual but understand the necessity due to safety concerns.
Weather Conditions
Heavy rain and waterlogging made it unsafe to continue the ritual, necessitating its suspension.
- Location
- Puri, Odisha
- Date
- July 21, 2023
- Ritual Suspended
- Dakshina Moda (southward turning) of two chariots
- Chariots Affected
- Lord Balabhadra’s ‘Taladhwaja’ and Lord Jagannath’s ‘Nandighosha’
- Chariot Completed
- Goddess Subhadra’s ‘Darpadalan’ chariot
- Rescheduled Ritual
- July 22, 2023
- Bahuda Yatra
- Scheduled for July 24, 2023