Ulta Ratha Yatra

Ulta Rath Yatra marks the joyous return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to Their sacred abode after spending over a week away from home during the grand Rath Yatra festival. This return journey, known as "Ulta Rath," or "Bahuda Yatra," is filled with deep emotion and festive enthusiasm.

After the initial journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for several days, devotees eagerly anticipate this day. The festival represents the deities’ return to their beloved Srimandira, and it symbolizes the heartfelt reunion of the Lord with His devotees, who have missed Him dearly.

On this auspicious day, the deities are placed back onto their majestic chariots and pulled through the streets of Puri amidst chants of "Jai Jagannath!" The energy is electric as devotees come together to pull the ropes of the chariots, singing and dancing in ecstasy, expressing their love and devotion.