Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in the US: Date, time and history

A devoted belief in God and all things holy is not limited within boundaries. It flows and spreads with people who share the knowledge and love for God with others and help them find a guiding light in life.

Thus, what is created is a big community that remains together in life and celebrates God during all the highs and lows.The Jagannath Rath Yatra, organised every year, is one such event where people forget all the troubles of life and come together to honour God and His blessings. The yatra will be carried out not only in India but also in the USA, South Africa, Canada and more places across the globe.In the USA, millions of people follow Hinduism and celebrate the gods of the religion with cultural and emotional fervour.

Thus, the Jagannath Rath Yatra has been organised in the states for years since 1967.In 2025 as well, the Jagannath Rath Yatra will take place across varied regions. Here's all you need to know about it.

History of Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival that honours the journey of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, alongside his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and his younger sister Goddess Subhadra from their home temple in Puri, Odisha to their aunt's temple in Gundicha.

The story behind the festival is that once, Goddess Subhadra expressed her desire to visit their aunt's place to her elder brothers. Thus, to fulfil her wish Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath decided to accompany her on a chariot ride that has been commemorated year by year in their honour by their followers.The tradition was started in the 12th century CE, by King Aanantavarman Chodaganga Deva, who built the Jagannath temple in Odisha.

The deities of the gods are carried in three massive chariots pulled by excited devotees. The festival begins on the second day of the fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June-July) and is held for nine days.In the US, the first-ever Jagannath Rath Yatra was organised in 1967 in San Francisco. This was also the first rath yatra ever to be organised outside of India. Jayananda Prabhu, one of the thousands of Westerners who attended Srila Prabhupada's preaching about Krishna Consciousness in the United States started the tradition of the yatra in the US.An engineering graduate from Ohio State University, he served Srila Prabhupada and built the first rathas that were used to carry the three gods through the streets of San Francisco, New York and Philadelphia. Since then, the tradition of the Rath yatra has spread with the increase of Krishna Consciousness among the people of the US.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in the US: Date & Time

Some of the top American cities will be celebrating the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 with grandeur:

Centennial, Colorado

Enjoy a devotional and spiritual experience of the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in Centennial.Date: June 27, 2025Time: 5:30 PM MDTLocation: Hindu Temple of Colorado, 7201 S Potomac St, Centennial, CO 80112

Fremont, California

The Fremont temple will be hosting its annual rath yatra which is the West Coast's most energetic rath yatras full of traditional music, performances and rituals.Date: June 28, 2025, SaturdayTime: 10:00 AM PDTLocation: 3676 Delaware Dr, Fremont, CA 94538

Jackson, Mississippi

Explore a stunning and moving celebration with the chariot rise and religious rituals in Mississippi.Date: June 29, 2025, SundayTime: 4:00 PM CDTLocation: Sitaram Hindu Temple, 1940 US 80, Jackson, MS 39204

New York City, New York

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SKCON, International Society for Krishna Consciousness organizes the Jagannath Rath Yatra in New York City with an elaborate chariot ride and processions of cultural music and dance. While the date of the yatra is yet to be announced, it will begin at 45th Street & 2nd Avenues and end at Washington Square Park.

Mauldin, South Carolina

People interested in joining the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Mauldin will have to wait for the announcement of the date. However, its location is known which is the Vedic Center of Greenville, 520 Bethel Dr, Mauldin, SC 29662

Houston, Texas

In Houston, the yatra is organised by the SKAI Foundation, aiming to bring the essence of Puri to Texas. The date of the yatra is yet to be announced, but it will be held in Discovery Green Park, Houston.

Alpharetta, Georgia

The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Georgia is known for its 26-foot-tall decorated chariot and community procession. The date for the yatra here remains to be announced yet.