Most people think that Ulta Rath Yatra, also known as Bahuda Yatra, which takes place for this year today, Friday, 24th July 24 marks the end of Ratha festival.
No — this sacred event of the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple, back to their main shrine is only the start of a four day long grand ceremony. The 4 day grand festivities and processions for 2026 conclude with these final key dates:
July 24 (Ulta Rath / Bahuda Yatra): when the deities return to the main temple.
July 25 (Suna Besha), when the deities are adorned in their magnificent golden avatars.
July 26 (Adhara Pana): when a special sweet drink offering is made to the deities.
July 27 (Niladri Bije) marks the final return of the deities into the sanctum sanctorum.
Today, thousands of devotees pull the three chariots back along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) in Puri while chanting “Jai Jagannath.” This Bahuda Pahandi marks the ceremonial bringing out of the deities from the Gundicha Temple and placing on their chariots. Chhera Pahanra follows, when the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri symbolically sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, emphasizing humility before the Lord.
Mausi Maa Temple halt: On the return journey, the chariots stop at the white Mausi Maa Temple, where Lord Jagannath is offered Poda Pitha, a traditional baked rice cake that is believed to be one of his favourite offerings.
The day after the chariots reach the main temple, the Suna Besha (Golden Attire) takes place and the deities are adorned with magnificent gold ornaments while seated on their chariots. This is one of the most spectacular events of the festival and attracts enormous crowds.
Adhara Pana is a sweet herbal drink offered to the deities in large earthen pots, on the third day and these pots are then ceremonially broken.
Niladri Bije is the grand ceremony of the deities finally re-entering the Jagannath Temple on the fourth day.
A playful ritual depicts Goddess Lakshmi initially refusing Lord Jagannath entry until he appeases her with offerings, symbolizing reconciliation.
In West Bengal, Ulto Rath is celebrated with equal enthusiasm. The most famous celebrations are at Mahesh (Serampore, Hooghly), where the historic chariot is pulled back amid fairs, devotional music, kirtan, cultural performances, and large gatherings of devotees.
Thousands of other local Jagannath temples across Bengal also organize return processions, bhajans, distribution of prasada, and community festivals — but all accept that Puri is surely the highest and the grandest.