Rath Yatra 2025: Timing, History and Rituals Benefits

Rath Yatra is one of the most sacred and celebrated festivals in Hinduism, especially among devotees of Lord Jagannath. Every year, millions of devotees gather to witness the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra as they ride in majestic chariots through the streets. Known as the Festival of Chariots, this spiritual event symbolizes the Lord’s love for his devotees — stepping out of the temple to bless all, without discrimination.

The Rath Yatra 2025 holds special significance, and at Iskcon Wavecity Temple,
we invite you to be a part of this divine celebration.

Rath Yatra 2025 Date & Time

• Festival Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
• Purnima Tithi Begins: June 24, 2025, at 10:05 PM
• Purnima Tithi Ends: June 25, 2025, at 08:35 PM

The Yatra takes place on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of Shukla Paksha in Ashadha month.

Rath Yatra Vrat Katha

According to sacred texts, once a year Lord Jagannath expresses his wish to visit his birthplace — the Gundicha Temple — along with his siblings. This journey is filled with love, devotion, and divine energy. The Rath Yatra Vrat Katha narrates this journey and its spiritual meaning.

Devotees observe fast (vrat), listen to this story, and pull the Lord’s chariot, believing it brings blessings, peace, and liberation.

Rath Yatra Fasting Time 2025

• Fasting Day: June 25, 2025
• Start: Sunrise (after taking Sankalp)
• Break Fast: After offering prayers and prasadam in the evening

Fasting on this day is believed to purify the soul and strengthen one’s devotion.

Rituals and Celebrations

• Mangala Aarti (early morning prayers)
• Snana Yatra – ceremonial bathing of the deities
• Pahandi – bringing the deities to the chariots with music and chants
• Devotees pull the chariots with ropes amid bhajans and kirtans
• Distribution of prasadam to all attendees

At Iskcon Wavecity Temple, these rituals are performed with deep devotion and community participation.

Significance of Rath Yatra

• Symbol of unity, where everyone comes together to serve the Lord
• Demonstrates equality, as the Lord steps out for all, beyond caste or class
• Represents spiritual freedom, reminding us that God walks with us on the
  path of life
• Encourages seva (service), bhakti (devotion), and community celebration

Rath Yatra Benefits

Participating in Rath Yatra or pulling the chariot offers many spiritual
benefits:

• Clears past karmas and sins
• Grants peace of mind and divine blessings
• Fulfills heartfelt desires
• Brings inner joy and spiritual upliftment
• Opens the door to moksha (liberation)

Rath Yatra History

Rath Yatra dates back to ancient times and is most famously celebrated in Puri, Odisha. The festival marks Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to Gundicha Temple and is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Over time, temples across India and around the world — including Iskcon temples — celebrate it with devotion and grandeur.

Conclusion: Celebrate Rath Yatra 2025 with Iskcon Wavecity Temple

Rath Yatra 2025 is not just a festival; it’s a spiritual journey where the Lord himself comes out to bless the world. Be a part of this divine celebration at Iskcon Wavecity Temple. Join us in the grand procession, chant the holy names, pull the sacred chariots, and receive Lord Jagannath’s unlimited mercy.

Let’s come together in devotion, love, and unity.
Jai Jagannath!