Millions of pilgrims have gathered in Puri, Odisha, for the annual Rath Yatra procession [2].
The event is one of the most significant traditional Hindu festivals, drawing global crowds to witness the divine siblings' journey and seek blessings.
The nine-day [1] festival involves the movement of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhadra [1]. The deities are taken from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple [1, 2].
Reports on the exact start date of the 2026 procession vary. NDTV said the event began on July 16, 2026 [1], while an MSN report said the start date was June 16, 2026 [2].
Local authorities and organizers manage the massive influx of people into the sacred city. "Millions of people travel to this sacred city to take part in the Rath Yatra and celebrate the event with great joy and happiness," an MSN Lifestyle report said [2].
The procession is marked by the pulling of massive chariots by devotees, a practice believed to bring spiritual merit. The atmosphere in Puri remains one of high devotion and communal celebration as the deities make their way to the Gundicha Temple.
Foreign visitors have also joined the festivities. "Indian people pray with sincerity," foreign devotees said in a report by MSN Travel [2].
“"Millions of people travel to this sacred city to take part in the Rath Yatra."”
The Rath Yatra serves as a critical intersection of religious tradition and regional economy in Odisha. The scale of the pilgrimage—involving millions of people—highlights the enduring influence of the Jagannath cult and the logistical challenges of managing mega-events in historic urban centers like Puri.
