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Shree Jagannatha Society UK

Ratha Yatra 2026

Jagannath Swami Nayan Pathagami Bhavatume

With divine blessings, SJSUK invites you and your family to be a part of the sacred celebrations of Shree Jagannatha's Annual Ratha Yatra 2026 (Chariot Festival). Join thousands of devotees in pulling the chariot in a spiritually uplifting celebration.

Saturday, 18th July 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Navnat Centre, Hayes, UB3 1AR
Once-in-a-generation mission
Be a Part of a Sacred Legacy — Help acquire land inside the M25 for the UK's premier Jagannatha temple
Register for Ratha Yatra 2026View Programme
Shree Jagannatha Society UK – Ratha Yatra 2026 flyer
A once-in-a-generation mission · Charity No. 1191544

Be a Part of a Sacred Legacy

Every chariot that turns at Ratha Yatra is a step towards a permanent home for Lord Jagannath in the United Kingdom.

Shree Jagannatha Society UK (SJS UK), a registered UK charity (No. 1191544), is undertaking a once-in-a-generation mission to establish the UK's premier Jagannatha spiritual and cultural centre.

We seek your support to acquire a rare large-size plot of land within the M25 corridor, close to Heathrow and major transport links — offering exceptional accessibility, privacy and long-term development potential.

The land, to be held in the Trust's name, will serve as the permanent foundation for a grand Jagannatha Temple, cultural facilities and community services for devotees across the UK and the global diaspora.

This sacred acquisition marks the beginning of a lasting spiritual legacy for generations.

Rare large plot
Inside the M25, near Heathrow and major transport links
Permanent home
Grand temple, cultural & community facilities
Ring-fenced
100% of contributions go to land purchase, under Charity Commission oversight

“We humbly invite you to become a patron through a personal donation, helping transform this vision into a permanent spiritual home and cultural beacon dedicated to the glories of Lord Jagannath and preserving Sanatana Dharma in the United Kingdom.”

All contributions are ring-fenced exclusively for land purchase, governed under UK Charity Commission regulations with full transparency and trustee oversight.

Donate to the Temple LandBecome a Patron MemberRegister & Add a Donation
Charity Registration No. 1191544

A Sacred Celebration of Devotion & Togetherness

The Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath is one of the most ancient and joyous festivals of Sanatana Dharma. On this auspicious day, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra leave the sanctum to greet their devotees — and every devotee, regardless of caste, background or status, is welcome to pull the sacred ropes.

Join us at Navnat Centre, Hayes, London for a day of kirtan, puja, procession, seva and Prasada. The Lord is coming to bless you — bring your family, your friends, and your hearts full of devotion.

Programme Details & Timings

The full day's sacred sequence — from Registration to Prasada Sebā.

  1. Registration

    10:00 – 14:00

  2. Bhajan, Kirtan, Puja & Arati

    10:30 – 12:30

    Devotional music and divine worship

  3. Ratha Pratishthā

    11:30 – 12:00

    Consecration of the sacred chariot

  4. Pahāndi Bije

    12:30 – 13:00

    Procession of the Lords to the chariot

  5. Chhera Panhara

    13:00 – 13:30

    Sacred sweeping ceremony of humility

  6. Ratha Tāna

    13:30 – 15:30

    Devotees pull the chariot with pure devotion

  7. Prasāda Sebā

    14:00 – 16:00

    Blessed food offered and shared with all

The Spiritual Significance of Rath Yatra

The oldest and largest Hindu chariot festival in the world — a divine journey of equality, devotion and grace.

The Divine Chariot Festival

Rath Yatra marks the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple (their aunt's house). It is celebrated annually on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June–July) and is one of the rare occasions when the deities leave the sanctum to meet their devotees directly.

The Universal Message of Equality

During the procession, all devotees — regardless of caste, class, faith or status — are permitted to touch the ropes and pull the chariots. This sacred act of communal seva symbolises that the Lord belongs to everyone, and everyone belongs to the Lord.

The Joy of Pulling the Chariot

It is said in the scriptures that any devotee who pulls the rope of Lord Jagannath's chariot, or even gets a glimpse of the Lord during the Yatra, is blessed with liberation (moksha). This is your invitation — to put your hand to the rope and walk with the Lord.

Seva, Kirtan, Prasada & Community

Ratha Yatra is more than a festival — it is a living embodiment of devotion, humility (Chhera Panhara), service (seva), sacred song (kirtan), and the sharing of blessed food (Prasada). It is the heartbeat of our community.

“Jagannath Swami Nayan Pathagami Bhavatume”

— May the merciful glance of Lord Jagannath be upon all of us.

Register for Ratha Yatra 2026

Free Event — Limited to 500 adults, first come, first served.

500
Capacity
Free
Entry
Prasada
Included
Register Now — It's Free
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Venue

Navnat Centre
Printing House Lane
Hayes, Middlesex
Greater London, UB3 1AR
United Kingdom

Saturday, 18th July 202610:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Easily accessible by public transport with excellent links to Heathrow Airport, central London and the M25.

Open in Google Maps →

Contact & Society

Organiser
Shree Jagannatha Society UK (SJSUK)
Registered Charity No. 1191544

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you may want to know before joining us on the Lord's chariot day.

Is registration required?+
Registration is free but recommended. It helps us prepare adequate Prasada and arrange seating for all devotees. Capacity is limited to 500 adults on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I bring my family and children?+
Absolutely! Ratha Yatra is a family festival. Children, elders and friends of all backgrounds are warmly welcome. Please include them in the "Number of Attendees" when you register.
Is there parking at the venue?+
Navnat Centre, Hayes (UB3 1AR) has on-site parking and is well served by public transport with excellent links to Heathrow and central London.
What should I wear?+
Traditional Indian or modest comfortable clothing is recommended. You will be on your feet, walking and pulling the chariot, so wear comfortable footwear.
Will Prasada be served?+
Yes. Blessed sanctified Prasada (Prasada Sebā) will be offered and shared with all attendees between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
How can I support SJSUK?+
You can become a patron, make a donation towards the once-in-a-generation Jagannatha Spiritual & Cultural Centre, or volunteer your seva. Contact us at contact@shreejagannatha.uk.

Jai Jagannath!

Shree Jagannatha Society UK · Charity Reg. No. 1191544

www.shreejagannatha.uk•contact@shreejagannatha.uk