Bahuda Yatra 2026 falls on Friday, July 24, 2026. It is the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple back to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. “Bahuda” means return in Odia.The chariots travel the same 3-kilometre route on Bada Danda in reverse, stopping at the Mausi Maa Temple on the way.
Every journey has two parts. The excitement of leaving… and the comfort of coming home.
Bahuda Yatra celebrates that homecoming.
After spending seven days at the Gundicha Temple, Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra, begins the return journey to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. But this is much more than the end of Rath Yatra. Along the way, the Lord stops at his aunt’s temple for a simple meal, meets Goddess Lakshmi after days apart, and completes a journey that reminds us that no matter how far we travel, home always has a special place in our hearts.
In this blog, you’ll find the Bahuda Yatra 2026 date, tithi, rituals, the story behind the Lord’s return, the significance of Mausi Maa Temple, Lakshminarayana Bheta, and why millions of devotees wait just as eagerly for the return journey as they do for Rath Yatra itself.
What is Bahuda Yatra? And it’s Meaning
Bahuda Yatra meaning is “the return journey.” The word “Bahuda” comes from the Odia language and means “to return” or “to come back.” “Yatra” means journey or procession. Together, Bahuda Yatra means the return chariot procession of Lord Jagannath.
It is also called Ulto Rath or Ulta Rath Yatra in common usage, meaning the reverse chariot ride. The more formal Sanskrit name is Dakshinabhimukhi Yatra, which means “the journey facing south.” This name comes from the direction the chariots travel.
On the way out, the chariots face north toward Gundicha Temple. On the return, they turn south toward the Jagannath Temple. According to the Drik Panchang, Bahuda Yatra falls on the tenth day (Dashami Tithi) of the bright half of Ashadha month, eight days after the main Rath Yatra.
Bahuda Yatra 2026 Date and Tithi
Bahuda Yatra 2026 date is Friday, July 24, 2026. The tithi is Ashadha Shukla Dashami, the tenth bright day of the Hindu month of Ashadha. This falls exactly eight days after the main Rath Yatra on July 16, 2026.
| Detail | Information |
| Bahuda Yatra 2026 date | Friday, July 24, 2026 |
| Hindu tithi | Ashadha Shukla Dashami |
| Also called | Ulto Rath, Dakshinabhimukhi Yatra, Return Rath Yatra |
| Route | Gundicha Temple → Mausi Maa Temple → Jagannath Temple |
| Distance | About 3 kilometres along Bada Danda (Grand Road) |
| Suna Besha | Saturday, July 25, 2026 |
| Adhara Pana | Sunday, July 26, 2026 |
| Niladri Bije (festival ends) | Monday, July 27, 2026 |
Important Note: Official ritual timings within July 24 are set by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. Check shreejagannatha.in and @SJTA_Puri for live updates.
Why Do Jagannath Rath Yatra Deities Return? The Story Behind Bahuda Yatra
The deities return because they have completed their visit to the Gundicha Temple, the home of Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna. After staying there for about seven days and receiving darshan from thousands of devotees, it is time for them to come home to the Jagannath Temple.
The story of this return is as human as it is divine. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra set off on this annual visit every year to fulfill Subhadra’s original wish to travel to her aunt’s home.
The Gundicha Temple is seen as the maternal home of the Lord, a place of warmth and personal connection. But after seven days, the journey must end. The Jagannath Temple is his eternal home. The return is not reluctant. It is natural, the way a visit to a relative’s house eventually ends and you come back to where you belong.
What is The Connection with Hera Panchami?
Hera Panchami happens on the fifth day of the Lord’s stay at Gundicha Temple, which is July 20, 2026. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits the Gundicha Temple in protest. She is upset that her husband left without telling her. She expresses her anger, and this emotional ritual sets the stage for the Lord’s return on Bahuda Yatra.
During Hera Panchami, Goddess Lakshmi arrives at the Gundicha Temple and finds the Lord apparently ignoring her. She breaks a part of Lord Jagannath’s chariot in symbolic anger. This is not just a story. Temple priests reenact it every year with great care.
Later, before the Lord can enter the Jagannath Temple on his return, he must make peace with Goddess Lakshmi. That reconciliation is one of the most beautiful parts of the Bahuda Yatra.
Dakshina Moda: Turning the Chariots Around
Dakshina Moda is the ritual turning of the three chariots from north-facing to south-facing. It happens about half a mile from the Gundicha Temple. This turning officially marks the start of Bahuda Yatra. It is one of the most physically demanding parts of the entire festival, done by experienced craftsmen using traditional methods.
When the chariots arrive at the Gundicha Temple on Rath Yatra day, they face north. For the return journey, they need to face south toward the Jagannath Temple. Turning three massive wooden chariots, each about 44 feet tall, is not simple. It takes great skill, coordination, and traditional knowledge.
No machines are used. The Maharana craftsmen who build the chariots also oversee this turning. The Dakshina Moda is treated as a sacred act, done with prayers and under the supervision of temple priests.
Step-by-Step Rituals of Bahuda Yatra
Bahuda Yatra rituals begin early morning at the Gundicha Temple with fire sacrifices and sun worship, followed by the Bahuda Pahandi procession, Chhera Pahara by the Gajapati King, chariot pulling south along Bada Danda, the Poda Pitha stop at Mausi Maa Temple, and ending with the Lakshminarayana Bheta near the Jagannath Temple.
1. Morning Puja at Gundicha Temple
Priests offer three special garlands to the deities at the Gundicha Temple early in the morning. These garlands are then taken to the chariots at Saradha Bali to bless and prepare them for the return journey.
2. Rosa Homa, Surya Puja and Dwarapala Puja
Three sacred rituals are performed before the deities leave. Rosa Homa is a fire sacrifice. Surya Puja is an offering to the Sun God. Dwarapala Puja is worship of the temple gatekeepers. All three prepare the spiritual environment for the journey home.
3. Senapati Lagi
A special wooden frame called Senapati Lagi is prepared to help transport the deities from inside the Gundicha Temple to their chariots. Temple servitors (Sevaks) carry accessories, pillows, and ceremonial items alongside. Traditional music, dance, and devotional performances fill the Gundicha Temple premises during this time.
4. Bahuda Pahandi: The Exit Procession
The deities exit the Gundicha Temple through the Naka Chana Dwara, the southern gate. This swaying ceremonial procession is called Bahuda Pahandi. Priests carry the deities in a rhythmic, tilting movement to their waiting chariots. Huge crowds gather at this gate for a rare and close darshan.
5. Chhera Pahara
Before the chariots move, the Gajapati King of Puri (or his representative, the Mudirasta) sweeps the floor of each chariot platform with a golden broom. He sprinkles sandalwood water on the ground. This is the same ritual done on the main Rath Yatra day. It reminds everyone that before God, all people are equal, including the king.
6. Chariot Pulling: The Return Journey South
Devotees grip the thick ropes and begin pulling the chariots south along Bada Danda. The same order is followed: Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja goes first, Subhadra’s Darpadalana follows, and Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha comes last. The crowds are often even more devotional on the return since the Lord is going home.
7. Stop at Mausi Maa Temple: Poda Pitha Offering
All three chariots pause in front of the Mausi Maa Temple on the way south. This is the temple of the maternal aunt of Lord Jagannath. Here, the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a traditional sweet cake. After this offering, the chariots continue toward the Jagannath Temple.
8. Lakshminarayana Bheta
Lord Jagannath’s chariot makes an additional stop near the Gajapati Palace, close to the Jagannath Temple. Here, Goddess Lakshmi is brought in a palanquin to meet the Lord. The Dahipati ritual is performed, where curd and other offerings are exchanged. This is the reconciliation moment. The Lord and Goddess Lakshmi make peace before he enters the temple.
9. Arrival at Simhadwara
Balabhadra’s and Subhadra’s chariots reach the Simhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Jagannath Temple first. Lord Jagannath’s chariot remains at Shreenahara for the Lakshminarayana Bheta before it too arrives at the Lion’s Gate. The Bahuda Yatra procession formally ends by evening.
Bahuda Pahandi: The Exit Journey from Gundicha Temple
Bahuda Pahandi is the ceremonial Journey of the deities out of the Gundicha Temple and onto their chariots. It is similar to the Pahandi on the main Rath Yatra day, but it happens at the southern gate of the Gundicha Temple, called Naka Chana Dwara. Priests carry the deities in a slow, swaying style to the waiting chariots.
Bahuda Pahandi is one of the most emotional moments of the entire festival cycle. After staying at the Gundicha Temple for about seven days, the deities leave for the last time until next year. Thousands of devotees line up at the Naka Chana Dwara just to watch this exit procession.
Many consider this one of the rarest and most beautiful darshans of the whole Rath Yatra. The moment the deity of Lord Jagannath appears at the southern gate, the crowd erupts in chants of “Jai Jagannath.”
The Mausi Maa Temple Stop and Poda Pitha
On the return journey, all three chariots stop in front of the Mausi Maa Temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Ardhasani, the maternal aunt of Lord Jagannath. Here, the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a traditional baked cake made from rice, jaggery, lentils, and coconut. It is a simple, humble food that Lord Jagannath is believed to love deeply.
Poda Pitha is not a royal or expensive offering. It is everyday, humble food. Many stories say that Lord Jagannath loves Poda Pitha because it is the food of ordinary people. The Mausi Maa Temple stop is a pause in the journey where the divine accepts simplicity with open arms. This moment beautifully captures the personality of Lord Jagannath: he is the Lord of the Universe, yet he stops for a simple cake made by his aunt.
What is Poda Pitha?
Poda Pitha is a traditional Odia rice cake. It is made by baking rice batter mixed with jaggery (raw sugar), lentils, and coconut in a clay pot over a slow flame. The name “Poda” means “burnt” in Odia, referring to the slightly charred outer crust that gives this cake its unique taste. It is an everyday food in Odisha, especially loved during festivals.
Lakshminarayana Bheta: Lord Jagannath Meets Goddess Lakshmi
Lakshminarayana Bheta is the meeting between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi near the Jagannath Temple during Bahuda Yatra. Lakshmi was angry that the Lord left without her. For him to enter the temple, she must forgive him first. This reconciliation ritual is one of the most moving and human moments in the entire festival cycle.
After the Mausi Maa Temple stop, Lord Jagannath’s chariot pauses at a point called Shreenahara, near the Gajapati Palace. Temple priests bring Goddess Lakshmi to this spot in a palanquin.
The Dahipati ritual is performed here. Curd (dahi) and other offerings are exchanged between the Lord and the Goddess. This act of reconciliation symbolises the reunion of two forces that are incomplete without each other. The Balabhadra and Subhadra chariots wait at the Lion’s Gate during this time, giving the Lord and Lakshmi their private moment.
After the Lakshminarayana Bheta, Goddess Lakshmi accepts the Lord back. The gate of the Jagannath Temple opens. The deities return to their home.
What is The Spiritual Significance of Bahuda Yatra?
The Bahuda Yatra significance is equal to the main Rath Yatra in spiritual value. According to the Skanda Purana’s Purushottama Mahatmya, seeing the deities on their return journey also frees a soul from the cycle of rebirth. The return journey also teaches the most human of lessons: even God must come home, and even God must make peace with the ones he loves.
The Lord Jagannath return journey gets less attention in most written accounts of the Rath Yatra. But devotees who attend it often say the Bahuda Yatra is more intimate than the outward journey. The crowds are still large, but the mood is different. On the way out, the excitement is of anticipation. On the way back, there is a feeling of completion, of something sacred coming full circle.
There is also a deeper spiritual message here. The Lord returns home not because he is tired or finished with the world. He returns because home is where he belongs. He stepped outside to bless everyone. Now he goes back to his eternal seat, carrying every prayer that was offered along the road.
What Happens After Bahuda Yatra? The Final Three Days
After Bahuda Yatra on July 24, three more significant events follow before the festival fully closes. Suna Besha (gold attire) on July 25, Adhara Pana (sacred drink) on July 26, and Niladri Bije (homecoming) on July 27.
| Date | Event | What happens? |
| July 24 | Bahuda Yatra | Return journey from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple. Mausi Maa stop and Lakshminarayana Bheta. |
| July 25 | Suna Besha | All three deities are dressed in pure gold ornaments while seated on their chariots in front of the Lion’s Gate. One of the most stunning darshans of the year. |
| July 26 | Adhara Pana | A sweet drink made of milk, curd, sugar, and spices is offered to the deities in large earthen pots. The pots are broken afterward, symbolising that everything belongs to everyone. |
| July 27 | Niladri Bije | The deities finally enter the Jagannath Temple sanctum. Goddess Lakshmi initially blocks the gate. The Lord offers her a Rasagola sweet. She accepts and lets him in. The full festival cycle ends. |
How Bahuda Yatra Is Different from Rath Yatra?
| Feature | Rath Yatra (July 16) | Bahuda Yatra (July 24) |
| Direction | Northward, from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple | Southward, from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple |
| Other name | Gundicha Yatra | Ulto Rath, Dakshinabhimukhi Yatra |
| Key stop | No specific stop on the way | Mausi Maa Temple for Poda Pitha offering |
| Special ritual | Chhera Pahara before departure | Chhera Pahara + Lakshminarayana Bheta |
| Gate used | Deities exit from Jagannath Temple’s Lion’s Gate | Deities exit from Gundicha Temple’s southern gate (Naka Chana Dwara) |
| Crowd mood | Excitement and anticipation | Devotion and completion |
| Tithi | Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya | Ashadha Shukla Dashami |
Final Thought
Every journey eventually comes to an end. But Bahuda Yatra reminds us that some endings are just as meaningful as beginnings.
As Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra return to the Jagannath Temple, they leave behind more than a completed procession. They leave behind a timeless message about devotion, family, forgiveness, and the joy of coming home. From the humble stop at Mausi Maa Temple to the reunion with Goddess Lakshmi, every ritual makes the return journey as beautiful as the one that began it.
If you ever get the chance to witness Bahuda Yatra in Puri, you’ll notice something special. The cheers are still loud, the roads are still full, and the devotion remains just as deep. But beneath it all is a quiet feeling that something sacred has come full circle.
Jai Jagannath!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bahuda Yatra 2026
Bahuda Yatra is the return chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple back to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.
Bahuda Yatra 2026 date is Friday, July 24, 2026. The tithi is Ashadha Shukla Dashami.
Bahuda is an Odia word meaning “return.” It refers to the homeward journey of the three deities after their stay at the Gundicha Temple.
Bahuda Yatra is also called Ulto Rath, Ulta Rath Yatra, and Dakshinabhimukhi Yatra (the southward journey).
The Mausi Maa Temple is the temple of the maternal aunt of Lord Jagannath. The deities stop here to receive an offering of Poda Pitha, a traditional sweet rice cake.
Poda Pitha is a traditional Odia baked cake made from rice, jaggery, lentils, and coconut. It is a simple, everyday food that Lord Jagannath is believed to love. It is offered at the Mausi Maa Temple during Bahuda Yatra.
Bahuda Pahandi is the ceremonial exit procession of the deities from the Gundicha Temple through its southern gate (Naka Chana Dwara) and onto their waiting chariots. It is one of the rarest darshans of the entire festival.
Dakshina Moda is the ritual turning of all three chariots from north-facing to south-facing, about half a mile from the Gundicha Temple. It officially starts the return journey.
It is the meeting between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi near the Jagannath Temple during Bahuda Yatra. The Lord must make peace with Lakshmi before entering the temple. The Dahipati ritual is performed here as part of the reconciliation.
Yes. According to the Skanda Purana, seeing the deities on the return journey also frees the soul from sins and suffering. The spiritual merit is equal to the outward journey.
The same order as Rath Yatra: Taladhwaja (Balabhadra) first, Darpadalana (Subhadra) second, and Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath) last.
Suna Besha on July 25 (gold attire for the deities), Adhara Pana on July 26 (sacred sweet drink offering), and Niladri Bije on July 27 (final homecoming into the temple sanctum).
Yes. The outdoor chariot procession on Bada Danda during Bahuda Yatra is open to all people regardless of religion, caste, or nationality.
Niladri Bije is the final event of the festival on July 27, 2026, when the deities enter the Jagannath Temple sanctum. Goddess Lakshmi initially blocks the door but accepts a Rasagola offering and lets Lord Jagannath in.
| Continue Exploring the Jagannath Rath Yatra 1.Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 Complete Guide – Everything you need to know about the 9-day festival. 2.Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 Date, Tithi & Timings – Plan your visit with the latest dates, puja muhurat, and festival schedule. 3.Lord Jagannath Explained – Learn about the history, symbolism, unique appearance, and significance of Lord Jagannath. 4.The Three Chariots of Rath Yatra – Discover the meaning of Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana and why each Rath is unique. |
Continue Exploring the Jagannath Rath Yatra
- Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 Complete Guide – Everything you need to know about the 9-day festival.
- Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 Date, Tithi & Timings – Plan your visit with the latest dates, puja muhurat, and festival schedule.
- Lord Jagannath Explained – Learn about the history, symbolism, unique appearance, and significance of Lord Jagannath.
- The Three Chariots of Rath Yatra – Discover the meaning of Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana and why each Rath is unique.
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