Nestled in Ranchi, Jharkhand, the Jagannathpur Temple, constructed in 1691, is a significant religious site. Built by Raja Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo, the temple is a replica of the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri. The temple is strategically located atop a hillock, surrounded by verdant foliage and ponds. The annual Rath Yatra is a major event, with the deities – Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and brother Balabhadra – being transported on a grand chariot to the Mausi Badi, a smaller temple about 500 meters away.
The deities reside at Mausi Badi for ten days, allowing devotees to offer their prayers. The Rath Yatra is a focal point of a 10-day fair (Mela) that attracts visitors from various states. The contract for the fair’s operation this year was awarded for a substantial amount, underscoring its popularity.
The upcoming Rath Yatra is scheduled from June 27 to July 6, 2025. The event features a large, specially constructed chariot. Prior to the yatra, the deities undergo a ritual bath, after which they are believed to fall ill and undergo a period of isolation and recuperation. The Netradan ceremony will be held on June 26, marking the lead-up to the grand Rath Yatra. The Yatra concludes with the Ghurti Rath Yatra, signifying the deities’ return to the main temple. The Rath Mela is also a time for starting new beginnings, including marriages and the first feeding of solid food for infants. Newlywed couples often participate in the Rath Yatra, offering prayers for a blissful married life.