Return Car Festival,” or Bahuda Yatra, is a highly esteemed Hindu celebration that place every year in Puri, Odisha. It marks the holy return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to their principal residence, the Shree Jagannath Temple, and it takes place today, July 5, 2025. This comes after they spent nine days in the Gundicha Temple, which is thought to be their aunt’s home.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra comes to a spectacular end with this festivity. On their gorgeous wooden chariots, the gods return: Goddess Subhadra rides Darpadalan, Lord Balabhadra rides Taladhwaja, and Lord Jagannath rides Nandighosha.

The Bahuda Yatra is preceded by important ceremonies such as Dakshina Moda, in which the chariots are turned southward in anticipation of the return, and Hera Panchami, in which Goddess Lakshmi laments the departure of Lord Jagannath.

The goddesses are brought to their chariots during the ceremonial “Pahandi Bije” during the Bahuda Yatra, and the titular King of Puri sweeps the chariots during the “Chhera Pahanra” rite. The gods make a special ‘Poda Pitha’ offering at Mausimaa Temple on the way back.

The Bahuda Yatra is a profound spiritual event that symbolizes cosmic order and heavenly reconciliation, not just a march. Devotees think that drawing the chariots brings good fortune and a great deal of spiritual virtue. Millions of devotees attend the event, which turns Puri into a dazzling display of devotion, cultural customs, and shared faith.

A Short Story About Rath Yatra 

One of the oldest and most majestic Hindu holidays, Rath Yatra, or “Chariot Journey,” is mostly observed in Puri, Odisha, India, with unmatched zeal. It honors Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Krishna.

In Puri, Odisha, the yearly Ratha Yatra, the Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath, is a display of unmatched splendor and devotion. It commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his older brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from their home in the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is thought to be their aunt’s home and birthplace. It is observed on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashadha (late June or early July).

Puri is visited by millions of pilgrims on the day of the Ratha Yatra. The rhythmic rhythms of drums and passionate chanting of “Jai Jagannath!” . Pahandi, a magnificent swaying stroll to their individual chariots, is the ceremonial parade in which the deities are brought forth. The King of Puri (or his delegates) sweeps the chariot platforms with a golden broom in a special ceremony known as “Chhera Pahara,” signifying equality and humility before the almighty. Ater that the million people pull the RATHA and one by one the three ratha are going tothei birth place it’s also called “mausi maa” temple .

Core of The Festival of Return Journey 

The parade of the gods on enormous, ornately adorned wooden chariots is the main attraction of the Rath Yatra. Thousands of devotees drive these chariots from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is regarded as their aunt’s house, via Puri’s “Bada Danda” (Grand Road). Rath Yatra is the pilgrimage to the Gundicha Temple, while Bahuda Yatra is the pilgrimage back (celebrated today, July 5, 2025).

KEY RITUALS BEFORE AND DURING BAHUDA YATRA

Several special rituals take place before the Bahuda Yatra begins.

• Dakshina Moda (July 2–3, 2025): The chariots are turned southward to face the Shree Jagannath Temple, symbolising the deities’ readiness to return home.

• Sandhya Darshan (July 4, 2025): Devotees get a special evening glimpse of the deities before their return.

• Bahuda Yatra (July 5, 2025): The actual return journey, filled with devotional music, chants, and the pulling of the grand chariots by thousands of devotees.