What Happens in Puri Once a Year That Leaves Millions in Tears?
Noopur Kumari | Jun 28, 2025, 20:01 IST
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau, Timeslife )
Once a year, the streets of Puri transform into an ocean of emotions, chants, and unstoppable devotion. But what truly makes Rath Yatra unforgettable isn’t just the grand chariots—it’s the deeply human rituals behind them. From a king sweeping the path to gods falling “sick” after a holy bath, every act feels strangely relatable. Discover 5 soul-stirring traditions that blur the line between divine and human—and might stir something in you too.
There are festivals, and then there are moments that shake your soul. Puri’s Rath Yatra is not just a celebration—it's an emotional journey. For centuries, people have walked barefoot, cried with folded hands, and pulled chariots not just with ropes but with hope. What makes Rath Yatra unforgettable isn’t just the grand visuals—it’s the rituals soaked in love, longing, and surrender. Here are 5 deeply moving rituals that make this divine yatra unforgettable.
Once a year, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are bathed with 108 pots of sacred water drawn from a special well. This ritual is believed to cool the deities in the scorching summer heat and is performed with utmost devotion. But it’s not just about the bath—it’s about the human-like tenderness shown to gods. Witnessing the deities catch a “cold” after the bath and being kept in isolation (Anasara) touches your heart, reminding you that divinity can be just as vulnerable and cared for as a child.
When the deities are brought out from the temple in a slow, swaying procession, the air thickens with emotion. Carried by sevayats (servitors) amidst beats of gongs and chants, the gods seem to dance their way to the chariots. Devotees cry, chant, and reach out for just a glimpse. This ritual feels like a reunion between the divine and the devotee—a moment where distance melts and presence becomes everything.
The mighty King of Puri, considered a representative of Lord Jagannath, humbly sweeps the chariots with a golden broom. This act shatters all ego and hierarchy. A king bows down before his lord, teaching us that no matter how high we rise, humility is what brings us closer to the divine. It’s not just a royal gesture—it’s a lesson in surrender, and in that moment, everyone feels equally small before God.
Thousands of hands come together to pull the massive wooden chariots down the Grand Road of Puri. People believe pulling the rope earns them salvation. But more than that, it’s the emotional energy—people cry, chant, whisper wishes, and walk alongside the lord as if walking with their lost loved one. It’s not just a journey of chariots; it’s a walk of faith, pain, healing, and love.
After a week-long stay at Gundicha Temple, the deities return to their original abode. But what makes this moment unforgettable is the “Sunabesa” ritual—when Jagannath wears gold ornaments and blesses the people. It feels like the final goodbye hug after a long visit. There’s joy, there’s a touch of sadness, and there’s an overwhelming sense of being seen and loved. It’s the divine assuring you: “You’re not alone. I’ll always return to you.
Puri’s Rath Yatra isn’t just about pulling chariots or watching idols—it’s about the journey your soul takes in those moments. Every ritual, every tear, every chant brings you closer to something bigger than yourself. Whether you're standing in the crowd or watching from afar, these five rituals awaken something deep inside—a longing, a connection, a surrender. And once you’ve felt that… you carry the Rath Yatra with you forever.
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1. Snana Purnima: The Grand Bathing Day
Snana Purnima
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Once a year, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are bathed with 108 pots of sacred water drawn from a special well. This ritual is believed to cool the deities in the scorching summer heat and is performed with utmost devotion. But it’s not just about the bath—it’s about the human-like tenderness shown to gods. Witnessing the deities catch a “cold” after the bath and being kept in isolation (Anasara) touches your heart, reminding you that divinity can be just as vulnerable and cared for as a child.
2. Pahandi Bije: The Divine Procession Begins
Pahandi Festival
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
When the deities are brought out from the temple in a slow, swaying procession, the air thickens with emotion. Carried by sevayats (servitors) amidst beats of gongs and chants, the gods seem to dance their way to the chariots. Devotees cry, chant, and reach out for just a glimpse. This ritual feels like a reunion between the divine and the devotee—a moment where distance melts and presence becomes everything.
3. Chhera Pahanra: The King Sweeps the Path
Chhera Pahanra
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
The mighty King of Puri, considered a representative of Lord Jagannath, humbly sweeps the chariots with a golden broom. This act shatters all ego and hierarchy. A king bows down before his lord, teaching us that no matter how high we rise, humility is what brings us closer to the divine. It’s not just a royal gesture—it’s a lesson in surrender, and in that moment, everyone feels equally small before God.
4. The Chariot Pulling: Ropes of Faith
5. The Return: Bahuda Yatra and Sunabesa
Bahuda Yatra Celebration_
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
After a week-long stay at Gundicha Temple, the deities return to their original abode. But what makes this moment unforgettable is the “Sunabesa” ritual—when Jagannath wears gold ornaments and blesses the people. It feels like the final goodbye hug after a long visit. There’s joy, there’s a touch of sadness, and there’s an overwhelming sense of being seen and loved. It’s the divine assuring you: “You’re not alone. I’ll always return to you.
A Journey That Stays With You
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