10 Unknown Facts About Ratha Yatra You Should Know in 2026
10 Unknown Facts About Ratha Yatra Ratha Yatra is one of India’s most famous and spiritually significant festivals, celebrated with immense devotion in Puri, Odisha . Every year, millions of devotees gather to witness Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Debi Subhadra traveling in majestic wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. While many people know Ratha Yatra as the “Festival of Chariots,” there are several fascinating details and hidden traditions behind it that remain lesser known. In this article, we explore 10 unknown facts about Ratha Yatra that make this sacred festival even more extraordinary. 1) Ratha Yatra Is One of the Oldest Chariot Festivals in the World Ratha Yatra is believed to be one of the oldest continuously celebrated religious festivals in the world. Historical references to the Jagannath cult and the annual chariot procession go back many centuries. The festival’s roots are deeply connected to Odisha’s temple traditions and Vaishnav...