Posted on July 24, 2026
Once again Puri gears up to organize one of the biggest and most important religious events in Odisha, which is Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The festival witnesses participation of devotees from Odisha, other parts of India, and outside the country, thus giving an atmosphere filled with spirituality in the holy city.
Bahuda Yatra involves the return of the three gods from the Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple from their stay in the Gundicha Temple. This event holds significance for the devotees, being a part of the traditional Rath Yatra festival.
Preparations are going on with regard to the arrival of a huge number of pilgrims during the time of festival. Arrangements are made for managing crowd, traffic, security, healthcare facilities, sanitization, and other important things for the devotees.
On the other hand, the return voyage is characterized by the passage of the majestic chariots through the streets of Puri. Pilgrims congregate along the Bada Danda so as to view the gods and receive their blessings. The journey of the decorated chariots into the Shree Jagannath Temple is an unforgettable scene in the entire festival.
Bahuda Yatra is also very culturally significant for the state of Odisha. The celebration of Bahuda Yatra unites people belonging to different ethnic communities and cultures of the region. It is also characterized by the conduct of various traditional practices and rituals. The participation of numerous pilgrims makes the entire celebration unique.
Travelers who want to visit the site during the period of Bahuda Yatra should make proper preparations beforehand. Puri city experiences heavy footfalls, road congestion, and high demands for hotels and means of transport during the time of Bahuda Yatra.
Apart from its religious importance, Bahuda Yatra also serves as a testament to the continuing bond of the people of Odisha with the Jagannath cult. Year after year, the festival provides an occasion for the devotees to gather in spirit and participate in a cultural legacy that has been handed down from generation to generation.
As preparations are being made and devotees await the return journey, it is expected that the Bahuda Yatra of 2026 will continue to be one of the most significant religious and cultural festivals of Odisha each year.