Bahuda Yatra 2026: Everybody is familiar with the grand beginning of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which takes place on the streets of Puri, Odisha. This year, it took place on 16th July, 2026, when devotees from around the world visited Puri to seek Lord Jagannath's blessings. The 'Lord of the Universe', along with his siblings, stays at the Gundicha temple for seven days.
During this stay, several events take place, including Pahandi (ceremonial procession), Adapa Darshan (sacred viewing inside), Hera Panchami (Goddess Lakshmi's visit), and Sandhya Darshan (evening view) before the return journey, which is called Bahuda Yatra.
However, only a few people know that the return journey (Bahuda Yatra) is much quieter, equally sacred, and usually far easier to attend.
Let's understand the meaning and significance of Bahuda Yatra, on which day it is being celebrated and the rituals that take place during the festival.
What is Bahuda Yatra? Know Its Meaning And Significance
The word 'Bahuda' means 'the return'. Thus, the Bahuda Yatra typically refers to the return journey of the three deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, to their home after staying at the Gundicha Temple. This yatra is also affectionately called 'Ulta Rath Yatra ', meaning 'reverse chariot procession'.
Many devotees believe that the return journey of Lord Jagannath symbolises the soul finding its way back to the divine after experiencing worldly pleasures. During Bahuda Yatra, the three chariots – Nandighosa for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalana for Goddess Subhadra- are pulled back by lakhs of devotees in the same manner as during the Rath Yatra. People believe that pulling the ropes even for a moment is like washing away a lifetime of sins.
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What makes the return journey even more special are the rituals that take place during and after Bahuda Yatra, including the Mausi Maa stop, Chhera Pahara, the golden Suna Besha, the Adhara Pana offering and the emotional Niladri Bije re-entry.
The Bahuda Yatra typically refers to the return journey of the three deities (Image: Pexels)
Bahuda Yatra 2026:Date
Bahuda Yatra will be celebrated on July 24, 2026. The date shifts every year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar, always falling on Ashadha Shukla Dashami, the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha, eight days after the outward Rath Yatra.
The Pahandi, the ceremonial procession of the deities onto the chariots, usually begins around midday, followed by Chhera Pahanra (the symbolic sweeping of the chariots), while the pulling of the chariots along the Grand Road begins in the afternoon.
The Mausi Maa Temple Stop And Poda Pitha
During the return journey, Lord Jagannath and his siblings stop at the Mausi Maa Temple (dedicated to Goddess Ardhasini), the temple of Lord Jagannath's maternal aunt, where they are offered Poda Pitha. This slow-baked rice-and-jaggery cake is believed to be Lord Jagannath's favourite sweet.
The Rituals: Suna Besha, Niladri Bije And Rasgullla Dibasa
The day after Bahuda Yatra, the ritual of Suna Besha takes place. Suna Besha means 'golden attire' where the Lord Jagannath and his siblings are adorned with gold ornaments. This ritual takes place while the deities are still on the chariots near the Lion’s Gate, allowing devotees to witness the golden Suna Besha darshan.
Niladri Bije truly marks the end of the Rath Yatra, when the deities finally re-enter their temple sanctum. Niladri means ‘Blue Mountain ', another name for the Jagannath temple, while Bije means ‘return’. This ritual is most loved among the devotees because it shows the affectionate relationship between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi, who is upset that he left her behind during the journey. He pacifies her by offering rasgulla as a peace offering. This ritual is celebrated as the Rasogulla Dibasa in Odisha.
ALSO READ: Niladri Bije Explained: Why Does Lord Jagannath Offer Rasgulla To Goddess Lakshmi?
Lord Jagannath and his siblings are adorned with gold ornaments (Image: Facebook/mypuri)
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The grand celebration of this festival is more than a show. The Bahuda Yatra represents one of the purest forms of devotion. Pulling the ropes of the chariots during the Bahuda Yatra is believed to bestow the same blessings as participating in the beginning of the Rath Yatra. Therefore, if you wish to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, you can take part in the Bahuda Yatra.