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IN PHOTOS: From Puri to Goa, how India marked Rath Yatra with devotion and grandeur

Updated On: 17 July, 2026 02:53 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

As devotees across the country celebrated the annual Rath Yatra with religious fervour and grand processions on Friday, colourful scenes emerged from different states, showcasing India's rich cultural diversity and deep-rooted spiritual traditions. From the iconic chariot procession in Odisha's Puri to vibrant celebrations in Goa and other regions, thousands of devotees gathered to pull elaborately decorated chariots, offer prayers and participate in festivities dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. Here are glimpses of how India marked the sacred festival. (Pics/ PTI)

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The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India's oldest and largest Hindu festivals, celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. (Pics/ PTI)
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India's oldest and largest Hindu festivals, celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. (Pics/ PTI)
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The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra

The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra

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Varanasi celebrates 'Rath Yatra', which means the chariot festival, near Dashashwamedh Ghat, in Uttar Pradesh on Friday

Varanasi celebrates 'Rath Yatra', which means the chariot festival, near Dashashwamedh Ghat, in Uttar Pradesh on Friday

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Anant Narayan Singh of the Kashi royal family, along with his family members, offered prayers before a chariot carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath

Anant Narayan Singh of the Kashi royal family, along with his family members, offered prayers before a chariot carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath

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According to Hindu tradition, the Rath Yatra symbolises Lord Jagannath's annual visit to his aunt's home at the Gundicha Temple

According to Hindu tradition, the Rath Yatra symbolises Lord Jagannath's annual visit to his aunt's home at the Gundicha Temple

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Goa CM Pramod Sawant sweeps the road as Lord Jagannath's chariot procession passes through Miramar during the annual Rath Yatra festival

Goa CM Pramod Sawant sweeps the road as Lord Jagannath's chariot procession passes through Miramar during the annual Rath Yatra festival

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According to Hindu tradition, the Rath Yatra symbolises Lord Jagannath's annual visit to his aunt's home at the Gundicha Temple. The festival also represents inclusivity, as people from all castes, communities and backgrounds can participate in pulling the chariots.

According to Hindu tradition, the Rath Yatra symbolises Lord Jagannath's annual visit to his aunt's home at the Gundicha Temple. The festival also represents inclusivity, as people from all castes, communities and backgrounds can participate in pulling the chariots.

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