Anyone who has stayed in Puri, Odisha around Rath Yatra knows that the festival does not really begin when the chariots start moving. The city starts changing a few days earlier. Roads become busier, pilgrims arrive throughout the day, the chariots on Bada Danda get their final touches, and temple and administration teams move into their busiest phase.
We see these final days as a useful part of understanding Rath Yatra. The rituals inside the Jagannath Temple follow their own traditions, while outside, Puri has to prepare for a huge movement of people. Here is what travellers can expect during the final 72 hours before the chariots begin their journey.
72 Hours Before Rath Yatra – The Final Countdown Begins
With 72 hours left before the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra, the holy city of Puri enters its final phase of preparation. Every ritual, decoration, and security arrangement moves into high gear as priests, artisans, officials, and devotees work together to prepare for one of the world’s largest religious festivals.
Morning (Around 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
The final three days begin with an increase in religious activities inside the Jagannath Temple. Although many temple rituals remain exclusive to the Sevayats (temple servitors), priests intensify the daily worship and complete important preparations for the upcoming procession.
Outside the temple, skilled artisans add the finishing touches to the three magnificent chariots:
- Nandighosa – Lord Jagannath’s chariot
- Taladhwaja – Lord Balabhadra’s chariot
- Darpadalana (Devadalana) – Devi Subhadra’s chariot
They carefully install vibrant fabrics, intricate wooden carvings, traditional paintings, ceremonial flags, and decorative ornaments, giving each chariot its majestic appearance before the festival.
Afternoon (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
The famous Grand Road (Bada Danda) gradually fills with lakhs of pilgrims arriving from different parts of India and around the world. Hotels, dharamshalas, guest houses, and ashrams witness heavy bookings as devotees settle into the city ahead of the celebrations.
Bustling local markets also come alive, with vendors selling religious items such as: Wooden Jagannath idols, Sacred Tulsi malas, Conch shells, Traditional sweets, Religious souvenirs. The festive atmosphere grows stronger as devotees prepare for the sacred journey.
Evening (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
As the day draws to a close, government agencies and temple authorities begin large-scale security deployment across Puri. Officials activate CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, police patrols, traffic management systems, and emergency medical services to ensure the safety of millions of visitors. Authorities also make regular public announcements to inform pilgrims about restricted zones, designated parking areas, traffic diversions, and safety guidelines, helping the city prepare for the massive crowds expected on Rath Yatra day.
48 Hours Before Rath Yatra – Puri Enters Festival Mode
With 48 hours remaining before the Jagannath Rath Yatra, the entire city of Puri transforms into a vibrant spiritual destination. The pace of preparations increases significantly as temple rituals, administrative arrangements, and devotional activities come together, creating an atmosphere filled with faith, excitement, and anticipation.
Morning (6:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Day begins with special temple rituals and continuous worship inside the Jagannath Temple. At the same time, temple officials and artisans carry out the final inspection of the three chariots, ensuring that every wooden wheel, axle, rope, canopy, and decorative element is strong and ready for the grand procession.
Depending on the Rath Yatra calendar of that year, devotees may witness some of the important rituals that take place after the deities complete their Anasara (period of seclusion). These rituals mark the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to public view before their journey to the Gundicha Temple.
Anasara (Period of Seclusion)
After the Snana Purnima ritual, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are traditionally believed to fall ill and remain away from public view for around 15 days. This period is known as Anasara. During this time, the deities are attended to by the Daita servitors, who perform special rituals and traditional treatments while regular public darshan remains suspended.
Netrotsav (Festival of the Divine Eyes)
The end of Anasara is followed by Netrotsav, an important ritual associated with restoring the eyes of the deities. During this ceremony, the eyes of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are ceremonially painted, symbolising their return to their divine form after the period of seclusion. The ritual is an important step before the deities appear before devotees again.
Nabajauban Darshan (First Public Darshan)
After Netrotsav, Nabajauban Darshan marks the return of the deities to public view. Nabajauban refers to their renewed youth, and devotees gather to have darshan of the deities in their rejuvenated form. The timing and arrangements for this darshan can vary according to the annual temple schedule, so visitors should check the official arrangements for the particular year they are travelling.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
One of the busiest places in Puri during this time is the world’s largest temple kitchen (Rosha Ghara). Hundreds of cooks and temple servitors prepare Mahaprasad, the sacred food first offered to Lord Jagannath before it is distributed among thousands of devotees. Using thousands of traditional clay pots and age-old cooking methods, the kitchen prepares a wide variety of offerings while maintaining centuries-old traditions.
Meanwhile, volunteers, temple servitors, government officials, and local organizations work tirelessly across the city to ensure a smooth and safe festival experience. Their responsibilities include: Cleaning public roads and pilgrimage routes, Setting up drinking water facilities, Establishing temporary medical camps, Installing barricades for crowd management, Providing assistance to elderly and differently-abled pilgrims, Strengthening sanitation and emergency response services At the same time, railway stations, bus terminals, and major entry points witness the continuous arrival of thousands of pilgrims, bringing the city closer to the grand celebration.
Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
As evening falls, Puri shines with decorative lights, colorful illuminations, and festive decorations along the Grand Road (Bada Danda). The sound of bhajans, kirtans, conch shells, bells, and continuous chants of “Jai Jagannath” fills the air, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Families, pilgrims, and visitors gather to admire the beautifully decorated Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana chariots before the historic procession. Many devotees spend the evening visiting nearby temples, participating in devotional singing, and offering prayers, while eagerly awaiting the arrival of the sacred Rath Yatra.
24 Hours Before Rath Yatra – The City Awaits the Divine Journey
With just 24 hours remaining before the Jagannath Rath Yatra, Puri reaches the peak of its spiritual energy. Every temple ritual, administrative arrangement, and public preparation enters its final stage as millions of devotees eagerly await the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple.
Early Morning (5:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
Final day before Rath Yatra begins with special prayers and essential temple rituals inside the Jagannath Temple. Priests and Sevayats complete the last ceremonial preparations required before the deities leave the sanctum sanctorum for their annual journey.
Final Rituals Before Rath Yatra
Before the grand procession begins, the temple servitors complete the necessary rituals and preparations for the deities’ public journey. The day’s ceremonial Niti continues with prayers and offerings according to the temple schedule. At the same time, arrangements are made for Pahandi Bije, the traditional procession in which Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshana are carried from the temple towards their respective chariots on Rath Yatra day.
The three chariots also go through their final preparations before the festival. Their wheels, platforms, canopies, decorative elements and pulling ropes are checked so they are ready for the procession. By this stage, the chariots standing on Bada Danda are almost fully prepared for the deities and the thousands of devotees who will gather to witness and participate in the Rath Yatra.
Afternoon (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Entire city prepares for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Authorities complete final security checks, enforce traffic restrictions, and keep medical and emergency teams on standby. Meanwhile, markets remain crowded as pilgrims buy: Flowers and puja items, Traditional attire, Wooden Jagannath idols, Tulsi malas, Religious souvenirs
Night (5:00 PM Onwards)
As night falls, Puri stays awake in devotion. Thousands of pilgrims gather along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to secure a place for the next day’s procession. The city echoes with bhajans, kirtans, temple bells, conch shells, and chants of “Jai Jagannath,” creating an atmosphere filled with faith, anticipation, and celebration.
The Morning of Rath Yatra
Before sunrise, priests begin the day’s sacred rituals inside the Jagannath Temple. As dawn breaks, devotees eagerly await Pahandi Bije, the ceremonial procession in which Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana are carried from the temple to their respective chariots. During this time, Jagannath Temple darshan during Rath Yatra follows a different schedule as the deities leave the sanctum for their annual journey to the Gundicha Temple.
Once the deities are seated, the famous Chhera Pahanra ritual is performed by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, symbolizing humility and equality before the divine. Soon after, lakhs of devotees pull the massive chariots along the Grand Road toward the Gundicha Temple, marking the official beginning of the Rath Yatra.
Understanding these final preparations allows devotees and visitors to appreciate the deeper significance of one of the world’s largest and most celebrated religious festivals. Beyond the grand chariot procession, these sacred traditions reflect the rich heritage and timeless devotion that define Puri and the Jagannath Rath Yatra. If planning a spiritual visit, explore our Puri tour packages to experience the city’s divine charm and cultural legacy.