Bahuda Yatra is the return journey of the three Rath Yatra chariots from Gundicha Temple back to the Jagannath Temple, scheduled for Friday, 24 July 2026, eight days after the main outward procession. Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana retrace the same 3 km route in reverse, carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra back toward the main sanctum. The Chhera Pahara ritual repeats during this return, with Puri’s traditional ruler again sweeping the area around each chariot. Bahuda Yatra draws a smaller but still significant crowd compared to the main procession, given its position later in the festival calendar. This article covers what happens during this return journey and how it differs from the outward trip.
Understanding Bahuda Yatra helps visitors decide whether to extend their Puri stay beyond the main procession date. The Rath Yatra Puri 2026 travel guide situates this return journey within the complete festival calendar, and the sections below detail the ritual’s specifics.
What Happens During Bahuda Yatra?
Bahuda Yatra involves the same three chariots retracing their 3 km route in reverse, moving from Gundicha Temple back toward the Jagannath Temple’s main sanctum. Devotees again participate in pulling the chariot ropes, though the crowd on this date runs smaller than the 10-20 lakh devotees expected for the main procession. Temple priests perform rituals similar to the outward journey, adapted for the return direction.
How Many Days After Rath Yatra Does Bahuda Yatra Occur?
Bahuda Yatra occurs eight days after the main Rath Yatra procession, falling on Friday, 24 July 2026, compared to the main event on Thursday, 16 July 2026. This gap allows the deities to remain at Gundicha Temple for a period before beginning their journey home. The eight-day interval remains consistent with traditional festival timing each year.
Does Chhera Pahara Repeat During Bahuda Yatra?
Chhera Pahara does repeat during Bahuda Yatra, with Puri’s traditional ruler again sweeping the ground around each chariot to symbolize equal service to the deities. This repetition bookends the festival with the same ritual gesture performed at both the outward and return journeys. Visitors attending both dates witness this specific ritual twice within the same festival cycle.
Key facts about Bahuda Yatra include:
- Occurs on Friday, 24 July 2026
- Falls eight days after the main 16 July procession
- Repeats the Chhera Pahara sweeping ritual
- Precedes Niladri Bijay by approximately four days
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Main Rath Yatra procession | 16 July 2026 |
| Bahuda Yatra return journey | 24 July 2026 |
| Niladri Bijay conclusion | ~28 July 2026 |
Fitting Bahuda Yatra Into the Full Festival Calendar
Checking the exact sequence of dates around Bahuda Yatra helps visitors plan an extended stay without missing any major ritual. key dates and schedule for Puri Rath Yatra 2026 lists every milestone from the Dwitiya Tithi window through Niladri Bijay in a single reference table.
Is Bahuda Yatra as crowded as the main procession?
No, Bahuda Yatra typically draws a smaller crowd than the main 16 July procession, though it still attracts a substantial number of devotees.
Do the same three chariots participate in Bahuda Yatra?
Yes, Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana all participate in Bahuda Yatra, retracing the same route they traveled during the outward journey.
Reviewing the Chariots Making This Return Trip
Knowing each chariot’s specific height and wheel count helps visitors identify Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana as they pass during Bahuda Yatra. the three chariots of Rath Yatra details these specifications for all three vehicles making the return journey.
