Women Lead the Way: Baripada Rath Yatra 2026 Celebrates Tradition
Baripada, Mayurbhanj: The sacred town of Baripada, revered as Odisha’s Second Srikshetra, witnessed a grand celebration of Rath Yatra 2026 with thousands of devotees thronging the streets.
The festival, second only to Puri’s Rath Yatra in scale and devotion, is renowned for its unique tradition—women devotees exclusively pulling the chariot of Goddess Subhadra.
The rituals began with the Pahandi procession, followed by the pulling of Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot.
Later, women devotees took charge of Goddess Subhadra’s Darpadalana chariot, continuing a centuries-old custom that symbolises reverence and inclusivity.
The atmosphere was charged with chants, conch sounds, and devotional music as the massive crowd joined in prayer.
Authorities ensured smooth conduct with crowd management, traffic regulation, and safety measures.
Favourable weather added to the festive spirit, drawing devotees from across Odisha and beyond.
The Baripada Rath Yatra remains a cultural and spiritual landmark, blending tradition with community participation and reinforcing its stature as one of the state’s most significant festivals.
