Digha to Host Grand Rath Yatra Mahotsava 2026
The Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir, Digha has announced the official programme for the annual Sri Jagannath Rathayatra Mahotsava, to be celebrated on Thursday, 16 July 2026. The sacred festival is expected to draw lakhs of devotees and visitors from across West Bengal, India and abroad, who will gather to witness Lord Jagannath's divine journey to the Gundicha Mandir.
The festivities will commence at 10:30 a.m. with the traditional Pahandi Vijay, during which Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Devi Subhadra will be ceremonially carried from the sanctum of Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir to Their magnificent chariots amidst the chanting of the Holy Names, kirtan and devotional celebrations.
From 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., the three beautifully decorated chariots will be adorned with flowers and traditional decorations, followed by the offering of bhoga to the Deities on the chariots.
The Chief Guest, Shri Sisir Adhikari Ji, is scheduled to arrive at 3:00 p.m. The Rathayatra Inauguration Ceremony will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., following which the sacred chariots will begin their journey at 3:30 p.m.
The Rathayatra procession is expected to reach the Gundicha Mandir at approximately 4:30 p.m., where the traditional Pahandi Vijay will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Speaking on the occasion, Radharamn Das, Trustee and Chief Priest of Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir, Digha, said, "Rathayatra is one of humanity's oldest and most universal spiritual festivals. Lord Jagannath does not wait for people to come to Him; rather, He comes out of His temple to shower His mercy upon everyone without distinction. His divine journey symbolizes compassion, inclusiveness and the Lord's boundless love for all living beings. We warmly invite people from every community, every faith and every walk of life to participate in this historic celebration in Digha and receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath."»
He further added, "Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir, Digha has emerged as one of Eastern India's most significant spiritual destinations. Our endeavour is to preserve the timeless traditions of Lord Jagannath while organizing a Rathayatra that is spiritually uplifting, culturally enriching, safe and well-organized for every pilgrim. We welcome everyone to become part of this divine festival."»
Expressing his gratitude to the Government of West Bengal, Radharamn Das said, "We express our sincere gratitude to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Suvendu Adhikari Ji, for his thoughtful decision to provide financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to major Rathayatra celebrations across the state, including the Shri Shri Jagannath Cultural Center, Digha. This generous support reflects the Government's commitment to preserving and promoting Bengal's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Such encouragement will greatly assist the organizers in conducting this sacred festival in a grand, orderly and devotional manner for the benefit of lakhs of devotees and visitors."»
Official Programme – Rathayatra 2026
10:30 a.m. – Pahandi Vijay from Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir to the three chariot
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Decoration of the three chariots and offering of bhoga
3:00 p.m. – Arrival of Chief Guest Shri Sisir Adhikari Ji
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Rathayatra Inauguration Ceremony
3:30 p.m. – Commencement of Sri Jagannath Rathayatra
4:30 p.m. – Arrival of the chariots at Gundicha Mandir
5:30 p.m. – Pahandi Vijay at Gundicha Mandir
The management of Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir, Digha cordially invites devotees, pilgrims, visitors and members of the media to participate in this grand spiritual celebration and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Devi Subhadra.

Comments
Post a Comment