Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra 2025: Vibrant Sojourn Begins in Vizag with Jai Jagannath Chants
Lord Jagannath, Along with Siblings, Begins Annual Sojourn Amid Jai Jagannath Chants in Vizag
Visakhapatnam, June 28, 2025 – The coastal city of Visakhapatnam reverberated with devotion and fervor today as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the grand commencement of the annual Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath’s sacred voyage is commemorated by his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. As the brilliant procession began, the air was filled with Jai Jagannath cries, painting the streets in colors of religion and tradition.
The festivities kicked off at the historic Sri Jagannath Swamy Temple in the heart of the city, where rituals commenced at dawn with the ceremonial Pahandi procession. The deities, adorned in resplendent attire and garlands, were carefully brought out from the temple’s sanctum sanctorum to their majestic wooden chariots, each intricately decorated with vibrant flowers, fabrics, and traditional motifs. The sight of Lord Jagannath’s towering chariot, known as Nandighosa, drew gasps of awe from the gathered crowd.
“This is a moment of divine connection,” said Meera Rao, a local devotee who has attended the Rath Yatra for over two decades. “Seeing Lord Jagannath with Balabhadra and Subhadra on their chariots feels like the Lord himself is visiting us, blessing every soul in Vizag.”
The chariots, pulled by hundreds of devotees with ropes, began their journey along the bustling streets of Vizag, from the temple to the Gundicha Temple, a symbolic representation of Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to his aunt’s home. The rhythmic beats of traditional drums, cymbals, and conches accompanied the procession, while devotees offered prayers, danced, and sang bhajans in unison.
Local authorities ensured tight security and smooth arrangements, with traffic diversions and medical camps set up along the route. “We’ve deployed over 500 personnel to ensure the safety of devotees and the smooth conduct of the yatra,” said R. K. Sharma, Vizag’s Commissioner of Police. Special arrangements were also made to provide water and refreshments to the participants under the scorching June sun.
This year’s Rath Yatra holds special significance as it coincides with efforts to revive traditional Odia art forms, with local artisans showcasing Pattachitra paintings and Chandua applique work along the procession route. Cultural troupes performed Odissi and Gotipua dances, adding to the festive spirit.
The Rath Yatra will continue over the next nine days, culminating in the Bahuda Yatra, when the deities return to their temple abode. Devotees like Anil Patnaik, a first-time participant, expressed their joy: “Pulling the chariot feels like a direct bond with the divine. It’s an experience I’ll cherish forever.”
As the sun set over Vizag, the chants of Jai Jagannath lingered, a testament to the city’s unwavering devotion and the timeless allure of this sacred sojourn.