Bahuda Yatra 2025 Concludes Peacefully as Lord Jagannath Returns to Srimandir

Puri: The sacred city of Puri was immersed in spiritual celebration on Thursday as the divine sibling deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — made their holy return to the Srimandir on the occasion of Bahuda Yatra, marking the successful conclusion of the Rath Yatra 2025.

The Bada Danda, the Grand Road of Puri, transformed into a vibrant ocean of devotees, as lakhs thronged the streets to catch a glimpse of the deities on their magnificent chariots. The return journey, also known as Bahuda Yatra, symbolizes the conclusion of the divine visit to their aunt’s home, the Gundicha Temple.

Rituals and Return: A Journey of Devotion

The return procession began with Lord Balabhadra’s chariot Taladhwaja, followed by Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana. Lord Jagannath’s grand chariot, Nandighosa, completed the return after the traditional halt at the Mausi Maa Temple, where the deity was offered Poda Pitha, a signature Odia delicacy.

“Bahuda Yatra reflects our timeless faith and the divine family journey of Lord Jagannath,” said Madhab Chandra Puja Panda, Secretary of the Puja Panda Nijog.

Suna Besha and Niladri Bije: Divine Grandeur and Symbolism

As part of the final rituals, Lord Jagannath will be adorned in golden attire, known as Suna Besha, and offer darshan to devotees from His chariot before entering the sanctum sanctorum. The golden decoration signifies majesty and supreme divinity.

The concluding ceremony, Niladri Bije, is steeped in symbolic drama. Goddess Lakshmi, upset over the Lord’s extended absence, refuses to let Him enter the temple. As tradition dictates, Lord Jagannath offers Rasagola to appease Her — a gesture of divine reconciliation, marking the end of the festival.

“The Niladri Bije showcases divine love, conflict, and reunion — all in a ritual that connects gods and devotees alike,” added Panda.

The entire town of Puri remains engulfed in spiritual fervour and cultural pride, with devotees eagerly awaiting the Suna Besha Darshan, a divine spectacle of unmatched grandeur. With flawless execution and deep-rooted tradition, the Bahuda Yatra 2025 concluded peacefully, reinforcing Odisha’s spiritual heritage on a global stage.