The return of Lord Jagannath to the Shrimandir after a 9-day journey from the Gundicha Temple is known as Bahuda Yatra. This yatra starts from the Gundicha Temple after a sacred ritual called “Bahuda Pahandi,” in which, step by step, Lord Sudarshana, followed by Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath, return to their chariots amid the loud sounds of chanting and music.
Moreover, devotees often ask questions like, “What is the exact date and time of Bahuda Yatra in 2026?” “Why does Lord Jagannath’s chariot stop at the Mausi Maa Temple?” and “What rituals are performed during the Bahuda Yatra?” This article will answer all your questions, one by one. Let’s take a look.
Bahuda Yatra 2026 Date and Tithi
Bahuda Yatra is observed during the Ashadha Shukla Dashami tithi, with chariot pulling beginning in the afternoon. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration usually confirms exact timings only a week before the festival, so devotees should check official announcements for precise muhurta timing.
Bahuda Yatra 2026 Date: July 24, Friday
Day: Shukla Dashami
Time: After the Chhera Pahanra ritual is performed by the Gajapati King, the Ulta Rath Yatra starts.
Location: Bada Danda, Grand Road, Puri, Odisha
Bahuda Yatra Rituals
Bahuda Pahandi: Deities are ceremonially moved out of the Gundicha Temple and placed onto massive chariots.
Chhera Pahanra: The Gajapati King himself sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, symbolizing humility, when Lord Jagannath returns from Gundicha to the main Shrimandir.
Mausi Maa Temple Stop: On the return journey, the chariots stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, the divine maternal aunt's shrine, where the deities receive offerings of Poda Pitha or Rasgulla Bhog.
What Is Bahuda Yatra? Meaning and Significance
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the biggest and most cherished festivals in India, drawing lakhs of devotees to Puri, Odisha. However, after this sacred procession, when Lord Jagannath returns to the Shrimandir from the Gundicha Temple, this return journey is known as the Ulta Yatra or Bahuda Yatra.
The significance of Bahuda Yatra, or Ulta Rath Yatra, reflects the homecoming of the Lord, representing the playful and deeply human bond between the creator and devotees. This divine return journey of Lord Jagannath to Puri offers millions of devotees a final opportunity to pull the holy chariots and witness the Rath Yatra festival before the deities return to the main temple.
Bahuda Yatra vs Rath Yatra: Key Differences
| Aspect | Rath Yatra | Bahuda Yatra |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Onward/forward journey | Return journey |
| Direction | Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple | Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple |
| 2026 Date | July 16, 2026 | July 24, 2026 |
| Day | Thursday | Friday |
| Duration of Stay | Devotees begin their stay at Gundicha Temple | Deities end their stay, 7-8 days later |
| Crowd Significance | Bigger crowd, main festival highlight | Smaller crowd, but equally sacred |
| Symbolism | Lord Jagannath visiting devotees and Mausi Maa | Lord Jagannath returning home |
| Following Rituals | None immediate | Suna Besha, Adhara Pana, Niladri Bije |
What Happens After Bahuda Yatra
After all three chariots return to the main temple, Shrimandir, the final rituals of the Puri Rath Yatra take place over the next three days. In 2026, the last Rath Yatra rituals will take place on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of July. On each day, a new ritual is performed, briefly explained below:
1st Day - Suna Besha: The Golden Attire: A day after Bahuda Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are adorned with gold ornaments while still remaining on chariots.
2nd Day - Adhara Pana: The Drink Offering: A sweet, spiced drink is offered to the deities to nourish the invisible deities who guard Lord Jagannath before He enters the main temple.
Day 3 - Niladri Bije: Return to the Sanctum: The festival's final ritual, where the deities formally re-enter the Shrimandir, completing the full cycle of Rath Yatra.
Conclusion
As it is said, if anyone takes darshan of Lord Jagannath when He is out in His chariot, then he or she surely gets liberation from this materialistic world and washes away all sins.
So, Bahuda Yatra is a sacred opportunity for devotees who missed the Rath Yatra festival due to heavy crowds. They can join the chariot procession on the return journey to Puri and receive the mercy of the Lord of the Universe.
