Rath Yatra
14 July 2026 to 27 July 2026 · The Grand Car Festival. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra journey to the Gundicha Temple — the only day non-Hindus can see the deities.
About This Event
Festival overview
Rath Yatra is one of the world's oldest and grandest public festivals, celebrated in honour of Lord Jagannath. The 14-day festival spans from Netrotsaba (the eye-painting ceremony on July 14) through the magnificent chariot procession on July 16, a nine-day sojourn at Gundicha Temple, and culminates with Niladri Bije and the beloved Rasagola ceremony on July 27. At Shree Jagannatha Temple Sydney, this is our most significant annual festival — celebrated with traditional Pahandi, Chhera Pahanra, cultural programs, community meals and devotional music. All are welcome to participate in this sacred journey.
Date
14 July 2026 to 27 July 2026
Location
Shree Jagannatha Temple Sydney, Unit 29/5 Gladstone Rd, Castle Hill NSW 2154 (procession route TBA)
Event timings
5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Jul 16, Chariot Day) | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (other days)
Schedule
Event timeline
Date
14 July 2026
Ritual
Netrotsaba
Details
The Festival of Eyes — deities are given new sight after healing rest.
Offerings
Chaka Apasara, Eye painting
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
15 July 2026
Ritual
Chaka Bije
Details
Final preparations; deities move to the inner circular platform (Chaka).
Offerings
Mangala Alati, Sandhya Dhupa
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
16 July 2026
Ritual
Rath Yatra
Details
The Grand Chariot Procession — Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra set out for Gundicha Temple.
Offerings
Pahandi, Chhera Pahanra
Timings
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location
Blacktown Showground
Date
17 July 2026
Ritual
Gundicha Bije
Details
The deities enter Gundicha Temple, known as the Aunt's House or birthplace.
Offerings
Adap Mandap Puja
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
18 July 2026
Ritual
Adap Mandap
Details
The nine-day sojourn at Gundicha Temple begins with daily rituals.
Offerings
Sakal Dhupa, Madhyanna Dhupa
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
19 July 2026
Ritual
Adap Mandap
Details
Daily rituals continue with massive public offerings (Abhada) to all devotees.
Offerings
Sandhya Alati
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
20 July 2026
Ritual
Hera Panchami
Details
Goddess Lakshmi visits in anger at being left behind; breaks part of the chariot.
Offerings
Laxmi-Narayan Bhet
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
21 July 2026
Ritual
Ratha Dakshina Moda
Details
The chariots are ceremonially turned southward for the return journey.
Offerings
Dakshina Moda Ritual
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
22 July 2026
Ritual
Sandhya Darshan
Details
Considered the most auspicious evening to behold the deities on their chariots.
Offerings
Mahadipha Jala
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
23 July 2026
Ritual
Bahuda Pre-rituals
Details
Final offerings and ceremonies at Gundicha Temple before the homeward journey.
Offerings
Panti Bhoga
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
24 July 2026
Ritual
Bahuda Yatra
Details
The Return Chariot Procession — the deities journey back to the main temple.
Offerings
Return Pahandi, Poda Pitha
Timings
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location
Blacktown Showground
Date
25 July 2026
Ritual
Suna Besha
Details
The Golden Attire — deities adorned with massive gold ornaments on their chariots.
Offerings
Rajadhiraj Besha
Timings
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location
Blacktown Showground
Date
26 July 2026
Ritual
Adhara Pana
Details
A special cooling drink is offered in large decorated clay pots to the deities.
Offerings
Pana Offering & Pot breaking
Timings
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill
Date
27 July 2026
Ritual
Niladri Bije
Details
The Grand Return — deities re-enter the temple; the famous Rasagola ceremony.
Offerings
Rasagola Dibasa, Bheta Puja
Timings
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location
Temple, Castle Hill