Bahuda Yatra 2026 begins in Puri with Pahandi Bije rituals; deities return from Gundicha

Bahuda Yatra is one of the auspicious Hindu rituals which marks the return journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. It is also called Ulta Rath Yatra or Ulto Rath Yatra. In 2026, the yatra is marked on Friday, July 24, 2026. The return journey of Lord Jagannath Mahaprabhu has already begun, where lakhs of devotees thronged the coastal town of Puri in Odisha. The Bahuda Yatra commenced on Friday with the Pahandi Bije rituals of Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra, sister Devi Subhadra and the celestial weapon Chararaj Sudarshan.ମହାପ୍ରଭୁ ଶ୍ରୀଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ଭାବବିହ୍ୱଳ ପରିବେଶ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଧାଡ଼ି ପହଣ୍ଡିରେ ନନ୍ଦିଘୋଷ ରଥକୁ ବିଜେ କରୁଥିବାର ଦିବ୍ୟ ଦୃଶ୍ୟ।#BahudaJatra #Rathayatra2026 #JaiJagannatha #RathaJatra2026 #RathaYatra #ShreeJagannathaDhaam #Puri pic.twitter.com/kMOYQQpRx3— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 24, 2026 Bahuda Yatra begins with Pahandi Bije ritualsOn Friday, the coastal city reverberated with the holy chants of Jai Jagannath and Hari bol by lakhs of devotees gathered there to witness the divine spectacle. The day commenced with the ceremonial Pahandi Bije, during which the deities were carried out of the Gundicha Temple in a rhythmic, swaying procession accompanied by the sounds of conch shells, cymbals, gongs and devotional chants of "Jai Jagannath." The ritual is one of the most significant moments of the Rath Yatra celebrations, symbolising the divine departure of the deities for their return to the 12th-century Jagannath Temple.ମହାପ୍ରଭୁ ଶ୍ରୀଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ଭାବବିହ୍ୱଳ ପରିବେଶ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଧାଡ଼ି ପହଣ୍ଡିରେ ନନ୍ଦିଘୋଷ ରଥକୁ ବିଜେ କରୁଥିବାର ଦିବ୍ୟ ଦୃଶ୍ୟ।#BahudaJatra #Rathayatra2026 #JaiJagannatha #RathaJatra2026 #RathaYatra #ShreeJagannathaDhaam #Puri pic.twitter.com/HJHJtb3XLm— Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo (Modiji Ka Parivar) (@KVSinghDeo1) July 24, 2026 What is Pahandi Ritual?The Pahandi ceremony is a magnificent ritual procession in which the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana are carefully transported in stages from the temple sanctum to their chariots for the yearly Rath Yatra.WATCH | Puri | Thousands of devotees take part in the 'Pahandi' ritual as the 'Bahuda Yatra (return journey) of Lord Jagannath to the Shri Jagannath Temple from the Gundicha Temple begins pic.twitter.com/cN8iOjAw3o— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 24, 2026 What is Bahuda Yatra?The Bahuda Yatra is considered as sacred as the outward Rath Yatra. According to tradition, Lord Jagannath and His siblings return to their abode after spending several days at the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to represent the home of their maternal aunt.Authorities have made elaborate security, crowd management and traffic arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Lakhs of pilgrims from across India and abroad are expected to participate in the return chariot procession.Who Was Karma Bai? The Story Of Her Devotion And Khichdi Offering To JagannathFinal rituals and celebrationsThe Bahuda Yatra concludes with the deities reaching the Singhadwara of the Jagannath Temple, followed by important rituals such as Suna Besha and Niladri Bije, bringing the annual Rath Yatra festivities to a close. These rituals will be performed on Saturday, during which the holy city is likely to witness a footfall of more than 10 lakhs.

Bahuda Yatra, also known as the Return Rath Yatra, marks the homecoming of Lord Jagannatha and his siblings, including Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. It is one of the most significant events in the annual Rath Yatra festival and is celebrated with immense devotion by lakhs of devotees. Bahuda Yatra is also known as Ulto Rath (or Ulta Rath Yatra) because it marks the reverse journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.#Puri in #Odisha is witnessing the Bahuda Yatra today, marking the ceremonial return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple.Sand artist @sudarsansand created a special art on the occasion. pic.twitter.com/6daWvRMQIc— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 24, 2026 What is the meaning of Bahuda Yatra?The word "Bahuda" means "return" in Odia. After spending several days at the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be the home of Lord Jagannatha's aunt, the three deities begin their return journey on their grand wooden chariots. Just like the main Rath Yatra, devotees pull the chariots through the streets of Puri while chanting prayers and singing devotional songs. This year, Bahuda Yatra or Ulta Rath Yatra will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2026, with the ceremonial Pahandi procession beginning at 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM and chariot pulling starting around 4:00 PM.#Puri ।। #RathYatraThe ‘Bahuda Yatra’ marks the culmination of the annual #RathYatra festivities, signifying the divine return of the sibling deities( Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra) to their abode after their week-long sojourn at the Shree Gundicha Temple.… pic.twitter.com/uKDwR22Dlv— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 24, 2026 Significance of ritualOne of the most important rituals associated with Bahuda Yatra is the stop at the Mausi Maa Temple. Here, Lord Jagannatha is traditionally offered Poda Pitha, a baked rice cake that is considered one of His favourite delicacies. This ritual holds deep cultural and spiritual significance and is eagerly awaited by devotees.Rath Yatra 2026: Why Ganjam Kewda Flowers Hold A Special Place In Jagannath Temple Traditions?VIDEO | Puri, Odisha: Preprations underway for Bahuda Yatra. The three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will be pulled back to the 12th-century shrine during the Bahuda Yatra today.Bahuda Yatra will be followed by the ceremonial Suna Besha (golden… pic.twitter.com/tDdSSocZhz— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 24, 2026 Rituals and traditionsAfter reaching the Jagannath Temple, the deities do not immediately return to the sanctum sanctorum. They remain on their chariots for rituals such as Suna Besha, during which the deities are adorned with magnificent gold ornaments. Another important ritual is Niladri Bijay, when the deities finally re-enter the temple. According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi initially refuses Lord Jagannatha entry, symbolising her displeasure over being left behind during the Rath Yatra. The Lord offers her Rasagola, after which she allows the deity to enter the temple.