Archive · 20 Jun 2025
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Deities' Public Return Rituals
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a big Hindu festival starting June 27th.
It begins with the Snana Yatra where the deities (Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra) get a ceremonial bath.
After this, they 'get sick' and are hidden from view for two weeks.
During this time, they are repainted.
The Netra Utsav is when the deities' eyes are painted, and they are revealed to the public again.
Devotees then get their first chance to see them after two weeks.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is set to begin on June 27.
The Snana Yatra ritual, involving a ceremonial bath for the deities, took place on June 11.
After the Snana Yatra, the deities are believed to fall 'sick' and are kept away from public view for two weeks in the Anasara Ghar.
The Netra Utsav festival marks the first darshan of the deities after their seclusion.
The Netra Utsav involves the 'netromilanam' ritual, which includes painting the deities and opening their eyes.
- Who
- Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, and devotees.
- What
- The Jagannath Rath Yatra festival and related rituals.
- When
- The Rath Yatra starts on June 27, with rituals like Snana Yatra on June 11.
- Where
- Jagannath Temple in Puri, West Bengal.
- Why
- To honor Lord Jagannath and celebrate the deities' return to public view for darshan.
Details
Insights
First Darshan
Details
Netra Utsav
Insights
Festival of the eyes
- Festival
- Jagannath Rath Yatra
- Start Date
- June 27
- Snana Yatra Date
- June 11
- Deities involved
- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra
- Ritual
- Snana Yatra (ceremonial bath), Netra Utsav
- Significance
- Marks deities' first public appearance and darshan.