The sacred rituals have commenced at Srimandir, and several important ceremonies will be performed throughout the day. The morning proceedings include the Dhupa ceremony at the Bhoga Mandap, followed by other rituals associated with the preparation of the deities and chariots.
The Pahandi procession, one of the most significant rituals of Rath Yatra, will see the Holy Trinity being carried out of the sanctum in a grand ceremonial procession amid the chanting of devotees and the sound of traditional instruments. The deities will then be placed on their respective chariots — Nandighosa of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalana of Devi Subhadra.
The revered Chhera Pahanra ritual, performed by the Gajapati Maharaja, will follow the Pahandi ceremony. The symbolic sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom represents humility and devotion before Lord Jagannath.
After the completion of all rituals, the three majestic chariots will be prepared for the grand procession from Srimandir to the Gundicha Temple. Lakhs of devotees are expected to gather in Puri to witness the divine spectacle and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
- Jul 16, 2026 11:16 IST
What Is Chhera Panhara? The Sacred Ritual Performed By Puri Gajapati
The highly significant ritual of ‘Chhera Panhara’ is performed by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri on the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
Jul 16, 2026 11:13 IST
Know Significance Of Pahandi Bije In Jagannath Culture
The grand rituals of the Puri Srimandir are anchored by the ‘Pahandi Bije’, a highly structured ceremonial procession that dictates how the deities move during major festivals.
Jul 16, 2026 11:05 IST
Ceremonial ‘Pahandi’ Of Devi Subhadra
Jul 16, 2026 10:44 IST
Devotion Turns Into Celebration
#WATCH | Puri Rath Yatra 2026: Devotion turns into celebration!
As the sacred Pahandi of Holy Trinity unfolds, devotees dance with joy and devotion, filling the Bada Danda with spiritual fervour.#RathYatra#RathYatra2026#RathaJatra#RathYatraWithOTV#PuriRathYatra#Puri… pic.twitter.com/GCvIAh8r7Q
— OTV (@otvnews) July 16, 2026- Jul 16, 2026 10:28 IST
Pahandi Of Lord Balabhadra
#WATCH | Puri Rath Yatra 2026: As Lord Balabhadra’s Pahandi begins, the air resonates with the sacred sounds of conch shells, gongs, and cymbals, along with chants of Jay Jagannath.#RathYatra#RathYatra2026#RathaJatra#RathYatraWithOTV#PuriRathYatra#Puri#Odishapic.twitter.com/bRxIX0QVL6
— OTV (@otvnews) July 16, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026 09:29 IST
Pahandi of Lord Sudarshan
Jul 16, 2026 09:17 IST
Servitors Perform Traditional Rath Pratistha Puja
#WATCH | Servitors perform the traditional Rath Pratistha Puja of the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra ahead of their divine journey.#RathYatra#RathYatra2026#RathaJatra#RathYatraWithOTV#PuriRathYatra#Puri#Odishapic.twitter.com/kV01iyKXbW
— OTV (@otvnews) July 16, 2026- Jul 16, 2026 08:59 IST
PM Modi, Odisha CM Majhi And Other Leaders Extend Wishes
On the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra, several dignitaries including President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi extended their wishes on Thursday.
Jul 16, 2026 08:55 IST
A Cultural Spectacle Unfolds
#WATCH | A cultural spectacle unfolds in Puri!
Artists perform a graceful dance in front of the majestic chariots during Rath Yatra 2026, adding vibrancy and devotion to the grand celebration.#RathYatra#RathYatra2026#RathaJatra#RathYatraWithOTV#PuriRathYatra#Puri#Odishapic.twitter.com/BZSnw3OVEN
— OTV (@otvnews) July 16, 2026- Jul 16, 2026 08:34 IST
Lord Jagannath To Step Out Of Srimandir To Bless Devotees
The grand Rath Yatra festival is going to be held today in Odisha’s Puri. The festival has drawn millions of devotees from across the world who have gathered to catch a glimpse of the Sbling Deities. The annual festival marks the unique period when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra step outside the Srimandir to grant darshan from close proximity.
Jul 16, 2026 07:55 IST
Devotees Brave Rain, Throng Puri
#WATCH | Despite heavy rain, the devotion of Lord Jagannath’s devotees remains unshaken.
A sea of devotees throng Puri, braving the weather and waiting with immense faith for a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.#RathYatra#RathYatra2026#RathaJatra… pic.twitter.com/6hDYdTJBBM
— OTV (@otvnews) July 16, 2026- Jul 16, 2026 07:47 IST
“Rain Is The Poetry Of The Lord’
#WATCH | “Rain is the poetry of the Lord,” says a devotee in Puri, as the Pilgrim Town witnesses heavy downpour.
For countless devotees, the rain has only added to the spiritual atmosphere as they wait with unwavering faith for a glimpse of Lord Jagannath.#RathYatra… pic.twitter.com/GGo0w9vUSO
— OTV (@otvnews) July 16, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026 07:36 IST
Emotions Run High In Puri
#WATCH | Emotions run high in Puri as devotees break down in tears while waiting for the divine darshan of Lord Jagannath, His Siblings.#RathYatra#RathYatra2026#RathaJatra#RathYatraWithOTV#PuriRathYatra#Puri#Odishapic.twitter.com/U9TIF3xxI3
— OTV (@otvnews) July 16, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026 07:28 IST
Rain Continues To Lash Puri
#WATCH | Rain continues to lash Puri, with the city witnessing heavy downpour amid an IMD red warning.
However, the devotion of Lord Jagannath’s devotees remains unstoppable. Braving the rain, devotees perform graceful Odissi dance, turning the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra into… pic.twitter.com/8T3siYeKpf
— OTV (@otvnews) July 16, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026 07:17 IST
Chariots Stand Ready
#WATCH | The majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra stand ready at the Singhadwara of Srimandir as Puri gears up for Rath Yatra 2026.
Amid chants of Jay Jagannath and the devotion of countless devotees, the three sacred chariots, Nandighosa,… pic.twitter.com/nLiJwXKJPk
— OTV (@otvnews) July 16, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026 07:16 IST
IMD issues red warning for Puri as cyclonic circulation triggers heavy rain
Rain continued to batter Puri amid the preparations for Mahaprabhu Jagannath Rath Yatra today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already issued a red warning for Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts in view of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
Jul 16, 2026 07:03 IST
Key Rituals And Timings
- Mangala Alati: 6 AM
- Mailam & Tadapalagi: 6:10 AM – 6:30 AM
- Rosha Homa: 6:30 AM
- Abakasha: 7:00 AM
- Surya Puja: 7:10 AM
- Dwarapala Puja: 7:30 AM
- Sakala Dhupa: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Ratha Pratistha: 9:00 AM
- Mangalarpana: 9:15 AM
- Pahandi: 9:30 AM
- Completion of Pahandi: 12:30 PM
- Procession of Madanmohan, Lord Rama & Lord Krishna to the Chariots: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
- Chita Lagi: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
- Completion of Besha: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- Chhera Pahanra: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Fixing of Horses & Charioteers: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Ratha Tana: 4:00 PM
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