Rath Yatra
The Grand Chariot Festival
Witness the spectacular Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, where idols of deities are paraded on magnificent, towering chariots pulled by thousands of devotees.
July (approx)
Day 1
Rath Yatra - The main procession
Day 9
Ulto Rath - The return journey
📅
When
July (Ashadha month)
📍
Best Experience
Mahesh, Serampore ISKCON, Mayapur
🙏
Deities
Lord Jagannath, Balarama and Subhadra
🎪
Associated
Fairs (Mela) are held
About Rath Yatra
A Journey of Faith on Wheels
Rath Yatra, the Festival of Chariots, is a major Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath. In Bengal, the tradition is celebrated with great fervor, most famously in Mahesh, Serampore, which hosts the second oldest Rath Yatra in India after Puri.
On this day, the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balarama, and sister Subhadra are taken out from their temple and placed on grand, decorated chariots. Thousands of devotees pull the chariots with thick ropes, believing it to be an act of great merit. The festival symbolizes the deities' annual journey to their aunt's temple. Fairs spring up along the route, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Festival Highlights
What to See
🎪
The Grand Chariots
Massive, brightly decorated wooden chariots that are architectural feats in themselves.
🤝
Pulling the Ropes
Witness the devotion of thousands of people as they collectively pull the chariots.
🎉
The Festive Fair
Colourful fairs with food stalls, toy shops, and merry-go-rounds that accompany the festival.
🎶
Kirtan and Chants
The air is filled with devotional singing and chanting throughout the procession.
Festival Timeline
The Nine-Day Journey
Day 1
Day 1
Rath Yatra
The main event where the chariots are pulled from the main temple to a garden house (aunt's home).
Day 2-8
Day 2-8
Stay at Gundicha Temple
The deities reside at the garden house for seven days.
Day 9
Day 9
Ulto Rath (Return Yatra)
The deities are brought back to the main temple in a similar procession.
Best Places to Experience Rath Yatra
Where the Chariots Roll
Mahesh, Serampore
Hooghly District
Hosting a Rath Yatra since 1396, it sees a massive turnout and a month-long fair.
ISKCON, Mayapur & Kolkata
Nadia & Kolkata
ISKCON organizes grand Rath Yatras in both Mayapur and Kolkata, attracting international devotees.
Cultural Elements
Key Traditions
🧹
Pahandi & Chhera Panhara
Fair Foods
Taste of the Mela
🍮
Jalebi
🍘
Papad Bhaja
📋 Quick Planning Guide
- Event DatesJuly (approx)
- LocationsMahesh, Mayapur, Kolkata
🚌 Transportation Guide
- Local TrainsThe best way to reach Mahesh (Serampore station).
- Road ClosuresExpect traffic diversions in Kolkata for the ISKCON Rath Yatra.
💡 Essential Tips
- Be prepared for massive crowds, especially in Mahesh.
- Keep your belongings safe.
- The procession moves very slowly; be patient.