Faith in God knows no boundaries. People around the world share their devotion, spreading love and light. One such celebration that brings everyone together is the Jagannath Rath Yatra — a grand Hindu festival filled with joy, music, and devotion.
While this yatra is a big event in India, it is also celebrated in many other countries, including the USA, Canada, and South Africa.
Read more: Odisha Gears Up for Rath Yatra 2025: Travel, Stay, and Festival Schedule
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is held every year to honour Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu), his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister Goddess Subhadra. It marks their journey from their temple in Puri, Odisha to their aunt’s temple in Gundicha. This tradition started when Goddess Subhadra wanted to visit her aunt, and her brothers joined her in a grand chariot ride.
The tradition began in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, who built the famous Jagannath Temple in Odisha. The three deities are carried in huge, beautifully decorated chariots pulled by thousands of devotees. The festival takes place in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July) and lasts nine days.
Also See: Countdown Begins for Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri; 80% Preparations Done, Says Odisha Law Minister
Jagannath Rath Yatra in the USA
The first Rath Yatra in the USA was held in 1967 in San Francisco, led by Jayananda Prabhu, an American devotee of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. Jayananda, an engineering graduate, built the first chariots and helped spread the celebration to New York, Philadelphia, and beyond. Since then, the festival has become a yearly tradition in many American cities.
Major Cities Celebrating Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2025:
Centennial, Colorado
- Date: June 27, 2025 (Friday)
- Time: 5:30 PM (MDT)
- Venue: Hindu Temple of Colorado, 7201 S Potomac St, Centennial, CO 80112
Fremont, California
- Date: June 28, 2025 (Saturday)
- Time: 10:00 AM (PDT)
- Venue: 3676 Delaware Dr, Fremont, CA 94538
- Fremont’s Rath Yatra is famous for its lively music, traditional dance, and spiritual atmosphere.
Jackson, Mississippi
- Date: June 29, 2025 (Sunday)
- Time: 4:00 PM (CDT)
- Venue: Sitaram Hindu Temple, 1940 US 80, Jackson, MS 39204
New York City, New York
- Date: To Be Announced
- Venue: Starts at 45th Street & 2nd Avenue and ends at Washington Square Park
- Organized by ISKCON, the event includes a grand chariot procession, kirtans, and cultural shows.
Mauldin, South Carolina
- Date: To Be Announced
- Venue: Vedic Center of Greenville, 520 Bethel Dr, Mauldin, SC 29662
Houston, Texas
- Date: To Be Announced
- Venue: Discovery Green Park, Houston
- Hosted by the SKAI Foundation, this yatra brings the spirit of Puri to Texas.
Alpharetta, Georgia
- Date: To Be Announced
- Known for its 26-foot-high chariot and a joyful community procession.
Conclusion:
The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in the USA will be a blend of spiritual energy, cultural celebration, and community unity. Whether you’re joining in Colorado or New York, it’s a chance to celebrate devotion, tradition, and togetherness — no matter where you are in the world.
