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Mahishadal Rath Yatra 2025 Date - East Medinipur – West Bengal - Tallest Jagannath Chariot In Bengal

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Mahishadal Rath Yatra held at Mahishadal at East Medinipur in West Bengal is one of the oldest Jagannath Rath Yatra festivals outside Odisha and is slightly different from the world famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra festival. Mahishadal Rath Yatra 2025 date is June 27. The Rath Yatra at Mahishadal began in 1776 CE. A single chariot is pulled during the annual Mahishadal Rath Yatra not three as in Puri.

The Mahishadal rath of Jagannath rises to a height of almost 70 feet.

The chariot procession was started by Rani Janaki Devi in 1776.

It is probably the tallest rath in West Bengal.

Though the same rath is still being used, its height has been reduced from 17 pinnacles to 13 pinnacles in 1860.

The lower pinnacles have been replaced with colorful wooden statues.

The gigantic chariot runs on 36 wheels.

The local raja, belonging to the Garg family, accompanies the rath in a palanquin.

Gunshots announce the start of the procession and continue through the course of the journey.

The chariot is pulled by four thick ropes, with one of them being reserved for women.

The chariot pullers follow the instruction of a volunteer who stands high up on the chariot with red and green flags.

The rath is pulled through muddy and slushy grounds swarming with devotees.