Bahuda Yatra, Also known as the return car festival.

Bahuda Yatra 2026 takes place on Friday, July 24, 2026. Also known as the return car festival, it marks the 9th day of the Rath Yatra when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra travel from Gundicha Temple back to the main Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The grand return of the deities involves the exact same chariots (Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana) traveling in the opposite direction along Bada Danda (Grand Road). The subsequent closing rituals include. Most people know the grand onward procession. Far fewer know that the return — Bahuda Yatra — is quieter, just as sacred, and usually far easier to attend. This guide covers everything you need: the exact date, the ritual timeline, what Suna Besha and Niladri Bije actually mean, how to reach Puri, and how to plan the trip without getting caught in the crush. For the wider festival picture, our India festival calendar for 2026 maps the year’s biggest celebrations. Most people know the grand onward procession. Far fewer know that the return — Bahuda Yatra — is quieter, just as sacred, and usually far easier to attend. This guide covers everything you need: the exact date, the ritual timeline, what Suna Besha and Niladri Bije actually mean, how to reach Puri, and how to plan the trip without getting caught in the crush. For the wider festival picture, our India festival calendar for 2026 maps the year’s biggest celebrations. Bahuda Yatra is the return journey of the Puri Rath Yatra — the day Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra travel back from the Gundicha Temple to the main Jagannath Temple after a nine-day stay. The word bahuda simply means “return.” It’s also affectionately called Ulta Rath — the “reverse chariot.” The story behind it is tender. The Rath Yatra is the deities’ annual journey to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be the home of their maternal aunt. They spend nine days there as honoured guests, away from their own temple sanctum — the only time all year the deities leave the Srimandir and come within touching distance of every devotee, regardless of caste or faith. Bahuda Yatra is the homecoming: the same three chariots, the same Grand Road, only this time pointed back toward the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Jagannath Temple.

 

Dr Rabindra Behera,MP Jajpur; On this auspicious occasion of Bahuda Yatra, may the Lord’s return journey inspire us all to embrace faith, unity, and spiritual renewal.

Priti ranjan Ghadei,Former Minster ; Wishing everyone a blessed Bahuda Yatra! May the return of Lord Jagannath bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to your homes.

Amar Kumar Nayak,MLA Badachana; As the holy chariots roll back, may they carry away all your worries and bring a bountiful harvest of joy and success.

Akash das Nayak,MLA,Korei; The divine siblings are returning home! May the blessings of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath be with you always.

Himanshu sekhar Sahoo,MLA,Dharmasala; Bahuda Yatra is not just a return; it is a beautiful reminder that every journey ultimately leads us back to our roots and to the heart of devotion.

Dr Suresh Chandra Dalei,IAS; May the rhythm of the drums and the chants of Jai Jagannath fill your soul with eternal bliss and divine energy today .

Writer Taraprasad Mishra; Heartfelt greetings on the sacred Return Car Festival! Let us celebrate the enduring traditions of Odisha with love, faith, and unity.

Amber kumar Kar,Collector Jajpur; May Lord Jagannath bless your life with the bright colors of devotion and the sweetness of the traditional Poda Pitha offered during His journey.

Yashpratap Shrimal,SP,Jajpur; Just as the Holy Trinity returns to Srimandir, may your heart always find its way back to peace, compassion, and righteousness

Dr Ratnakar Dalei; May the pulling of the sacred ropes pull you closer to your spiritual goals and cleanse your mind of all negativity.

Ajay Kumar Behera,Govt Officer; Sending warm wishes for a joyous Bahuda Yatra! Let the spirit of togetherness and devotion guide you every step of the way.

Er Komal Kumar Swain; May the divine siblings look after you and grant all your heartfelt prayers on this sacred day.

Writer Jayaprakash Nayak; Jai Jagannath! May the Lord’s return fill your life with new beginnings, endless prosperity, and divine protection.

Writer Rasmita Nayak; As the majestic chariots roll back, they remind us that the most beautiful journeys in life always lead us back to our roots. Happy Bahuda Yatra!

Manas kuamar Tripathy,OAS; May Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, shower your life with divine grace and spiritual fulfillment.

Samir Ranjan Das,Tehesildar; Wishing everyone a blessed Bahuda Yatra! May the return of the Lord wipe away all sorrows and bring harmony to your home.

Sarat Chandra Patra,Police Officer; Let the divine homecoming of the Holy Trinity inspire us to come closer to our cultural values, compassion, and inner faith.

Tapan kumar Nayak,Police Officer; On the auspicious day of Bahuda Yatra, may you find the strength to conquer every evil and walk the path of righteousness.

Rakesh Kumar Tripathy,Police Officer; The streets of Bada Danda echo with the divine chants of millions as the Lord begins His sacred return to Srimandir.

Santosh Kumar Sethy,Police Officer; May the pulling of the holy ropes bring you immense peace, good fortune, and the fulfillment of all your prayers.

Chinmayee Sahoo,Police Officer; As the Holy Trinity rides their majestic chariots, may they bless you with strength, wisdom, and boundless devotion.

Anshumala Das,Police Officer; Wishing you a joyous Bahuda Jatra! Let us immerse ourselves in the beautiful memories of the Lord’s nine-day sojourn.

Zahar Abbedin,Police Officer; Jai Jagannath! May the return car festival fill your life with the bright colors of prosperity, unity, and bliss.

Pratap Kumar Debata,Police Officer; Sending warm greetings on Bahuda Yatra. May the Lord always guide you on the path of truth and love.

Abhranshu Mohanty,Police Officer; May the blessings of Lord Jagannath be with you and your family today and always. Happy Bahuda Yatra!

Chintamani Padhi,Journalist; Wishing you and your loved ones a spiritually uplifting Bahuda Yatra filled with devotion and grace.

Subash Chnadra Dhal.Journalist; Let us celebrate the triumph of goodness and the timeless traditions of our rich cultural heritage. Jai Jagannath!

Sanjay Kumar Mishra,Journalist; May this auspicious occasion of Bahuda Yatra bring joy, peace, and prosperity to everyone’s life.

Rohit Kumar Khuntia,Journalist; The return journey of the Lord is a reminder that faith and devotion ultimately guide us to our true home.

Priti ranjan Sahoo,Youth Leader; On this holy day, may Lord Jagannath bless you with good health, happiness, and eternal peace.

Pradip Kumar Parida,Youth Leader; May the divine siblings look over you and protect you from all hardships. Have a blessed Bahuda Yatra!

Rajesh kumar Pal,Youth Leader; Let the spirit of Bahuda Yatra unite us in love, faith, and devotion to the supreme Paramabrahma.

Sribachha Dhir,Youth Leader; Warm greetings to everyone on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Bahuda Yatra!

Abhisek Rout,Youth Leader; May the divine return journey of Lord Jagannath fill your life with eternal peace and happiness.

Dr Nihar Ranjan Kar; Let us join hands and pull the majestic chariots along the grand Bada Danda.

Gyana Ranjan Mohapatra,Social Worker; We pray that the holy deities shower you and your family with prosperity and divine protection.

Pramod Kumar Kabi,Social Worker; Let the chanting of “Jai Jagannath” echo in our hearts and wash away all sorrows

Srinibash jena,Tree Man; May the sweet aroma of the traditional Poda Pitha from the Mausima Temple delight your senses.

Gyanaranjan Mohapatra,Social Worker; Jai Jagannath! May the Lord always keep you in his loving embrace.