The Times of India

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: 5 interesting facts about the largest chariot festival in the world

Jagannatha Puri is all set to welcome lakhs of tourists to the sacred town of the Lord of the world to mark the commencement of the annual Rath Yatra of the beloved Lord Jagannatha, who comes out of the sacred sanctum of the sacred temple to bless his devotees with his divine darshan.The Rath Yatra is one of the world's oldest and largest festivals, occurring for centuries.The festival's roots go back over a thousand years, according to historical records. Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, travels from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their birthplace, where Lord Vishwakarma, the celestial carpenter, built their sacred idols and their aunt's home. According to the legend, Subhadra simply wanted to visit family, so her brothers took herEvery year, this journey is repeated, because devotees believe it renews a connection between the divine and ordinary people, played out in the open streets instead of behind temple walls.Here are 5 interesting facts about the Jagannatha Rath Yatra