Chandannagar Rath Yatra held at Chandannagar in Hooghly district, West Bengal is a popular Jagannath Rath Yatra festival outside Odisha and is slightly different from the world famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra festival. Chandannagar Rath Yatra 2025 date is June 27. The Rath Yatra at Chandannagar began in 1774 CE. A single chariot is pulled during the annual Chandannagar Rath Yatra not three as in Puri.
Known as Jodu Ghosher Rath, the chariot derives its name from Jadavendu Ghosh, a prominent rice trader of the region.
According to historical records Jadavendu Ghosh, popularly
known as Jodu Ghosh, was on a pilgrimage to Puri in 1763. He fell ill during
the pilgrimage and was forced to return. On his return he decided to build a
temple for Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra. The Rath Yatra started in 1774
(another source say 1798) on a rath made out of neem wood. The wooden rath
continued its journey till 1962 when it was replaced with a new rath. After
the introduction of the new rath, the neem wood chariot was immersed in the
Hooghly.
The new chariot has a metal frame, built by Braithwaite
& Co. Ltd., and has been modelled after its predecessor. The rath runs on
14 metal wheels that have been fitted with a unique braking system.
The annual Chandannagar Rath Yatra takes place between
Lakshmiganj Temple and the Taldanga crossing. It follows a narrow stretch of GT
Road.
The rath is accompanied by a group of kirtan singers.