The official schedule for the yearly Sri Jagannath Rathayatra Mahotsava, which will take place on Thursday, July 16, 2026, has been released by the Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir in Digha. To witness Lord Jagannath’s celestial journey to the Gundicha Mandir, thousands of devotees and tourists from West Bengal, India, and overseas are anticipated to attend the holy festival.

Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Devi Subhadra will be ceremoniously transported from the sanctum of Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir to their magnificent chariots during the traditional Pahandi Vijay, which will start the festivities at 10:30 a.m. amid the chanting of the Holy Names, kirtan, and devotional celebrations.

The three exquisitely decorated chariots will be adorned with flowers and traditional decorations between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m., after which bhoga will be offered to the Deities on the chariots.

At 3:00 p.m., Shri Sisir Adhikari Ji, the Chief Guest, is expected to arrive. The sacred chariots will set out at 3:30 p.m. after the Rathayatra Inauguration Ceremony, which will take place from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. The Gundicha Mandir will host the traditional Pahandi Vijay at 5:30 p.m., with the Rathayatra procession expected to arrive there at around 4:30 p.m.

Radharamn Das, Trustee and Chief Priest of Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir, Digha, said, “One of the oldest and most widely observed spiritual holidays in human history is Rathayatra. Instead of waiting for people to approach Him, Lord Jagannath emerges from His temple to extend His mercy to everyone without exception. His heavenly journey is a representation of the Lord’s unending love for all living things, compassion, and inclusivity. We cordially invite everyone to join us in this historic celebration in Digha and receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath, regardless of their community, religion, or background”.

Mr. Das added, “Thank you to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Suvendu Adhikari Ji, for his considerate choice to donate Rs 5 lakh to major Rathayatra events throughout the state, including the Shri Shri Jagannath Cultural Center in Digha. The government’s dedication to protecting and advancing Bengal’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy is demonstrated by this kind assistance”.

Official Programme – Rathayatra 2026

10:30 a.m. – Pahandi Vijay from Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir to the three chariots

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Decoration of the three chariots and offering of bhoga

3:00 p.m. – Arrival of Chief Guest Shri Sisir Adhikari Ji

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Rathayatra Inauguration Ceremony

3:30 p.m. – Commencement of Sri Jagannath Rathayatra

4:30 p.m. – Arrival of the chariots at Gundicha Mandir

5:30 p.m. – Pahandi Vijay at Gundicha Mandir

Devotees, pilgrims, tourists, and members of the media are invited by the administration of Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir, Digha, to take part in this magnificent spiritual celebration and ask for the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Devi Subhadra.

Priyanka Dutta