India, July 23 -- While the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra attracts millions of devotees every year, the return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, holds equal religious importance. The festival marks Lord Jagannath's journey back to the Jagannath Temple in Puri after spending seven days at the Gundicha Temple and is celebrated with several unique rituals.

What Is Bahuda Yatra?

Bahuda Yatra is the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The word "Bahuda" means "return", which is why the procession is also called Ulta Rath Yatra, meaning the reverse chariot journey. For many devotees, the return journey symbolises the soul's journey back to God after experie...