Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Lord Balabhadra Taken Out Of Temple For Chariot Procession, PM Modi extends greetings

Puri: The entire country is witnessing the excitement of the Rath Yatra on Wednesday. Devotees from across the country have arrived in Odisha for the world-famous Rath Yatra held at the Jagannath Temple in Puri of Odisha. The Rath Yatra begins today and will conclude on July 27 at Niladri Bije.

When was Lord Balabhadra taken out of the temple?

The grand Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri witnessed thousands of devotees gathering despite heavy rain to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. During the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, as per the rituals, Lord Balabhadra is being brought out of the Jagannath temple to be seated on the chariot as part of the traditional 'Pahandi' ritual.

Lord Balabhadra's chariot, Taladhwaja, will move first, followed by Devi Subhadra's Darpadalana, and finally, Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha will roll down the Badadanda towards the Gundicha Temple.

What did PM Modi say?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion on Thursday and descibed the Rath Yatra as a symbol of India's enduring spiritual and cultural legacy.

Taking to X, in a post, PM Modi wrote, "Greetings to everyone on the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra. This is a radiant expression of India's timeless spiritual and cultural heritage. The traditions associated with the Rath Yatra have inspired generations across India and the world. They embody humility, collective participation and selfless service." 

"May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, happiness and prosperity. May He give us strength for all our endeavours and deepen the spirit of togetherness in our society. Jai Jagannath!" PM Modi wrote on X.

Did the President extend greetings?

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday also extended greetings to devotees on the auspicious occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Taking to X, in a post, the President said that, "On the auspicious occasion of Mahaprabhu's Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all devotees of Shri Jagannath across the country and abroad. It is a widely held belief that during the magnificent tradition of this sacred procession, Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath-accompanied by Chakraraj Sudarshan, elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra-comes out to meet the devotees. This soulful occasion, marking the union of the devotee and the Divine, is truly unique." 

What is Rath Yatra?

During the annual Rath Yatra festival, Lord Jagannath and his two siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, give darshan to devotees from their chariots and travel to the Gundicha Temple, revered as the maternal aunt’s abode of Lord Jagannath.

The Yatra begins from the Jagannath Temple in Puri and concludes at the Gundicha Temple, covering a distance of nearly three kilometres.