Devotees at the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha are witnessing the Nabajaubana Darshan today, July 15, just a day before the world famous Rath Yatra begins. This is the sacred occasion when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra appear before devotees in their fresh, youthful form for the first time after Snana Purnima. Lakhs of pilgrims have already gathered in Puri to witness this divine sight. Once today's darshan concludes, the grand Rath Yatra will roll out from tomorrow, July 16, and continue until it concludes on Monday, July 27.
From The Grand Bath To The Youthful Return
On Snana Purnima, the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are given a grand ceremonial bath, called Mahabhishek, with sacred water poured from 108 golden pots. According to belief, this elaborate bath leaves the three deities running a fever, referred to as Anasar. Following this, they retreat into a special chamber inside the temple for about 15 days, during which ordinary devotees are not allowed to see them. Through this period, the Daitapati sevaks, the temple's traditional caretakers, look after the deities with medicinal remedies, special offerings of food, and dedicated care until they recover fully. Once the deities are completely well again, they are dressed in new clothes and fresh ornamentation, presented in a rejuvenated, youthful form. This very first appearance before devotees is what is known as Nabajaubana or Nabajaubana Darshan, marking the deities' return to health and to their devotees.
The Most Significant Darshan Before The Chariots Roll
A day after the Nabajaubana Darshan, on July 16, the deities will board three magnificent chariots and set off for the Gundicha Temple, regarded as the home of their aunt. This is precisely why the darshan that takes place right before the Rath Yatra is considered exceptionally rare and auspicious. Devotees believe that viewing the deities with true devotion on this day brings special blessings from Lord Jagannath and helps fulfil their wishes.
Full Schedule Of Rath Yatra 2026
- July 15, 2026, Wednesday: Nabajaubana Darshan
- July 16, 2026, Thursday: The grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins
- July 20, 2026, Monday: On Hera Panchami, Goddess Lakshmi visits Lord Jagannath
- July 23, 2026, Thursday: Sandhya Darshan, the evening darshan of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra at the Gundicha Temple
- July 24, 2026, Friday: Bahuda Yatra, after spending time at the Gundicha Temple, the deities board the chariots again for the return journey to Shri Mandir
- July 27, 2026, Monday: The Rath Yatra festival concludes with the completion of traditional rituals
Why Pilgrims Travel From Across The World
The Puri Rath Yatra ranks among the largest religious gatherings anywhere in the world. Every year, lakhs of devotees arrive in Puri not just from across India but from several countries abroad to be part of this grand festival. The custom of devotees pulling the towering wooden chariots with ropes by hand has continued for centuries. It is widely believed that getting the chance to pull the Lord's chariot earns merit and helps remove hardships from one's life. Seen through a religious lens, both the Nabajaubana Darshan and the Rath Yatra stand as symbols of devotion, surrender and the spirit of public welfare associated with Lord Jagannath. That is precisely why devotees look forward to these two occasions all year round.
