Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Unique Floating Rath Yatra at Kankana Shikhari Dham
The Floating Rath Yatra at Kankana Shikhari Dham is a unique celebration that takes place on the serene waters of Chilika Lake in Odisha.
Unlike the traditional Rath Yatra in Puri, where deities are taken out in wooden chariots, this event features beautifully decorated boats carrying the deities across the lake.
The procession is accompanied by devotional songs, conch shells, and chants, creating a spiritual and picturesque experience.
Chilika Lake, known for its rich biodiversity and migratory birds, adds to the beauty of this one-of-a-kind religious event.
Kankana Shikhari Dham hosts the world's only floating Rath Yatra on Chilika Lake.
The deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are placed on decorated boats.
The procession includes devotional songs, conch shells, cymbals, and chants of 'Jai Jagannath.'
Chilika Lake is renowned for its rich biodiversity, migratory birds, and dolphins.
The event combines spiritual traditions with the natural beauty of Chilika Lake.
- Who
- Devotees and tourists
- What
- Floating Rath Yatra
- When
- Annual Rath Yatra festival
- Where
- Kankana Shikhari Dham, Chilika Lake, Odisha
- Why
- To celebrate the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra
Traditional Rath Yatra
Floating Rath Yatra
Mode of Celebration
Traditional Rath Yatra
Celebrated on land with wooden chariots.
Floating Rath Yatra
Celebrated on water with decorated boats.
Location
Traditional Rath Yatra
Held in Puri, Odisha.
Floating Rath Yatra
Held on Chilika Lake, Odisha.
Experience
Traditional Rath Yatra
Procession along the Grand Road.
Floating Rath Yatra
Procession on the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake.
- Location
- Kankana Shikhari Dham, Chilika Lake, Odisha
- Deities Involved
- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra
- Festival Significance
- Only floating Rath Yatra in the world
- Date of Celebration
- Annual Rath Yatra festival
- Attractions
- Devotional songs, conch shells, cymbals, chants of 'Jai Jagannath'
- Biodiversity
- Rich biodiversity, migratory birds, dolphins, picturesque landscapes