Bahuda Yatra: The Return Chariot Journey of Lord Jagannath

The outward journey of the chariots draws the world’s attention — but it is the return that completes the story. Bahuda Yatra, the return chariot journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, brings the deities back from the Gundicha Temple to the Singhadwara, the Lion Gate of their own abode. Understanding the Bahuda Yatra return chariot rituals reveals the playful, deeply human relationship between the Lord and his devotees that lies at the heart of Jagannath worship.

The Timing: Nine Days After Rath Yatra

Bahuda Yatra is observed on the tenth day of the bright fortnight (shukla dashami) of the lunar month of Ashadha, typically nine days after the main Rath Yatra — usually falling in June or July. The exact date each year is set by the lunar tithi, so please consult the temple calendar. On this day, the three deities, who have spent a week resting at the Gundicha Temple — their “aunt’s home” — board their chariots once more for the journey back along the Grand Road to the Singhadwara.

For pilgrims, Bahuda Yatra offers a second chance to witness the spectacle of the giant rolling chariots, often in a noticeably less crowded atmosphere than the outward journey.

Pahandi: The Lord’s Ceremonial Procession

The day begins with Pahandi, the slow, rhythmic, ceremonial procession in which each deity is carried from the Gundicha Temple to their respective chariot. The Pahandi is one of the most beloved sights of the festival: the deities are moved gently, with a characteristic swaying motion, accompanied by the beating of cymbals, the blowing of conches, and the singing of devotional hymns.

What devotees cherish most about the Pahandi is the suggestion of divine play (leela). The Lord is said to be reluctant — lingering, pausing, moving as if unwilling to leave his aunt’s home. This idea, that the Lord dallies out of love for his family and the affection of his devotees, is the emotional core of the Bahuda Yatra.

The Return Journey and the Laxmi Ceremony

Once the deities are aboard their chariots, devotees draw the great wooden vehicles back along the Bada Danda toward the Singhadwara. The journey is shorter than the outward one, and the mood is one of joyful homecoming. Crowds line the road, pulling the ropes, offering flowers, and calling out the names of the Lord.

A highlight of the return is the Laxmi ceremony. According to tradition, Goddess Laxmi, the divine consort, is displeased that her husband has spent so long away and playfully shuts him out upon his return. A ritual exchange follows — an offering traditionally including rasagola, the famous sweet associated with this leela — after which the Goddess is appeased and the doors are opened. This tender, almost domestic drama is re-enacted each year and is a favourite of devotees.

Suna Besha: The Golden Attire

After the deities arrive back near the Singhadwara, they remain on the chariots for the Suna Besha, the spectacular golden attire in which they are adorned with vast quantities of gold ornaments. Thousands of devotees throng the Grand Road for this darshan. It is one of the most opulent and visually striking moments of the entire festival cycle, and a fitting close to the public journey of the Lord.

Why Staying on the Grand Road Matters

The great advantage of the Bahuda Yatra is that both the outward and return journeys take place on the same road — the Bada Danda. A pilgrim staying on the Grand Road can witness the Lord depart for Gundicha, and then nine days later, from the same stretch of street, welcome him home. There is no need to travel or to find a new vantage point; the festival comes to your doorstep.

This is why Sri Purushottam Bhakta Nivas, just 120 metres from the Singhadwara on the Grand Road, is so ideally placed for the chariot festivals. Our family has hosted pilgrims for these days since 1988, and we understand the rhythms of the journey — the early starts, the long waits, the need for rest and pure sattvic food in between.

For help planning a Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra stay, please see our Rath Yatra stay in Puri page and our full Puri Rath Yatra guide, or contact us to arrange panda seva and guided darshan.