Rath Yatra of Mahesh, Serampore
It is called the second oldest chariot festival in India after Puri. Here is what happens.
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How old it is
It is described as the second oldest chariot festival in India after Puri's, and the oldest in Bengal, celebrated since 1396 CE. (Source: Wikipedia, Ratha Yatra)
A month-long fair
At Mahesh in Serampore the festival lasts about a month, with a grand fair at that time. (Source: Wikipedia, Ratha Yatra)
Pulling the chariots
Devotees pull the ropes of the chariots of Jagannath, Balarama and Subhadra, on the way from the temple to Gundicha Bari and back. (Source: Wikipedia, Ratha Yatra)
Snana Yatra first
The Mahesh Snana Yatra is one of the oldest outside Puri, believed to date to the 14th century. Snana Yatra is on Jyeshtha Purnima and is taken as Jagannath's birthday. (Source: Wikipedia, Snana Yatra)
💡 Rath day is crowded; go early and check train timings to Serampore beforehand.
Questions
- How old is the Mahesh Rath Yatra?
- It is said to be celebrated since 1396 CE.
- Where is the Mahesh Rath Yatra held?
- At Mahesh in Serampore, West Bengal.
- When is Rath Yatra 2027?
- Monday 5 July; tithi times are on our Rath Yatra 2027 page.
- How long does the Mahesh festival last?
- About a month, with a fair.