Unique ‘Jala Rath Yatra’ in Chilika: Lord Jagannath travels to Mausi Maa Temple by boat, Watch

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Khordha: A unique ‘Jala Rath Yatra’ or ‘Water Chariot Festival’ was held in Chilika in Khordha district of Odisha yesterday on the occasion of Rath Yatra. Lord Jagannath traveled to the Mausi Maa Temple by boat.

While the whole world is watching the pulling of chariots on the Grand Road in Puri during the world-famous Rath Yatra, a completely unique tradition was witnessed at Kankana Shikhari, located in the middle of Chilika Lake.

Here, the 9-day journey of the Chaturdha Murti – Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshan – did not take place on a wooden chariot. Instead, it was conducted on beautifully decorated boats across the blue waters.

Thousands of devotees from across the state and outside have thronged to witness the Lord’s unique ‘Jala Rath Yatra’. Keeping in mind the huge crowd of devotees, tight security arrangements have been made by the Khordha District Administration, Police, Temple Committee and Chilika Wildlife Department. All departments are working in coordination to ensure devotees can have a safe darshan of the Lord.

Probably, this is the only place in the world where a ‘Jala Rath Yatra’ is held. For this, 3 teams of Fire Services have been deployed. The Forest Department has provided 2 boats, while the local fishermen community has extended support by providing 10 more boats.

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The Rath Yatra here is completely different and filled with spiritual emotion. Since the journey takes place in the middle of the lake, on water, the District Administration, Police, Chilika Wildlife Department and Chilika Development Authority are working day and night together to manage it smoothly, said Milan Nayak, DFO of Chilika Wildlife Department.

The divine journey of the Lord on the waterway is giving devotees a divine experience amidst the natural beauty of Chilika.

Watch the video here:

Also read: Puri Rath Yatra 2026 LIVE: Puri Rath Yatra: Pulling Chariots of Holy Trinity concludes for the day

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