Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) is the most spectacular festival at Digha Jagannath Temple, attracting thousands of devotees. The deities are taken out in grand procession on three magnificently decorated chariots from the temple to the Gundicha Temple (Mausi Maa Temple) where they stay for seven days.
Festival Highlights:
Event Schedule:
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| June 25 | Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession) | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| June 25-27 | Darshan at Gundicha Temple | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| June 29 | Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey) | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| June 30 | Suna Besha (Golden Attire) | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
Snana Yatra
Snana Yatra is the ceremonial bathing festival of Lord Jagannath, observed on the full moon day of the month of Jyestha. The deities are brought out in a procession to the Snana Bedi (bathing platform) where they are bathed with 108 pots of sacred water drawn from the temple well mixed with herbs and fragrances.
Festival Highlights:
After the Snana Yatra, the deities remain in seclusion for 15 days (known as Anasara) when they are believed to fall ill from the extensive bathing. During this period, special herbal treatments are applied to the deities.
Learn More About Snana Yatra
Janmashtami
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna (an avatar of Lord Jagannath). The temple remains open throughout the night with special decorations, cultural programs, and devotional singing. The main celebration occurs at midnight when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born.
Event Schedule:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:00 PM | Cultural program begins |
| 10:00 PM | Bhajan Sandhya |
| 11:30 PM | Abhishek ceremony |
| 12:00 AM | Birth ceremony (Naba Jaubana Darshan) |
| 12:30 AM | Maha Aarti & Prasad distribution |
Devotees observe fasting until midnight when the birth ceremony concludes. The temple kitchen prepares special sweet offerings (mainly milk products) for this festival.
View Janmashtami Photos