Jaipur: The Walled City witnessed a sea of devotees Thursday as thousands gathered for the Jagannath Rath Yatra, a tradition observed in the city for more than 250 years.The procession began from the Govind Dev Ji Temple, with the Walled City echoing with chants of “Jai Jagannath” as devotees lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the deities.
Devotees take part in a procession of Lord Jagannath during the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which started from Govind Devji temple, at Badi Choupar in the Walled City area of Jaipur, Rajasthan on 16 July 2026
Celebrations started at 6am with the Rath Yatra Mahotsav at the Govind Dev Ji Temple. Lord Gaur Govind was placed on a historic silver chariot and taken around the temple complex in four ceremonial rounds, following a tradition dating back nearly two-and-a-half centuries.Later, the Shri Jagannath Sevak Samiti conducted the main Rath Yatra on the lines of the famous Puri procession in Odisha. Three separate chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra moved through the city amid devotional songs and heavy crowds. The yatra was flagged off by governor Haribhau Bagde and deputy chief minister Diya Kumari, who offered prayers before the chariots began their journey.In the evening, Gupt Vrindavan Dham organised another grand procession featuring a modern remote-controlled hydraulic chariot carrying the three deities. Decorated in traditional red and yellow cloth, it had an adjustable height to pass safely beneath overhead power lines.To manage crowds, traffic restrictions were imposed across the Walled City. Jalebi Chowk was closed before the procession began, and traffic was diverted at Badi Chaupar, Tripolia Gate and Choti Chaupar. Parking was prohibited in Hawa Mahal, Johari Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar from 4pm. Entry of tempos, minibuses and city buses into the Walled City was restricted, and public buses were diverted to alternative routes.Devotee Rajesh Sharma said, “I attend the Rath Yatra every year, but this time the turnout and enthusiasm were even greater. The entire route was filled with devotion.”Johari Bazaar resident Sunita Agrawal said, “There was some inconvenience because of the traffic diversions, but people cooperated as it was such an important religious procession.”
