Devotees gathered at Mahesh in Serampore, Hooghly district, West Bengal, on 16 July 2026 to take part in the Mahesh Jagannath Rath Yatra — widely regarded as the oldest chariot festival in Bengal, now marking its 650th year.
The Mahesh Rath Yatra in Serampore, Hooghly, is celebrated in its 650th year in 2026, cementing its standing as the oldest surviving chariot festival in West Bengal.
Thousands of devotees joined the procession of Lord Jagannath's chariot through the streets of Mahesh, Serampore, on 16 July 2026, in a tradition that has continued unbroken for 650 years.
The town of Mahesh in Hooghly district is considered the spiritual home of Bengal's Rath Yatra tradition, with the Jagannath festival here predating all other chariot processions in the state by centuries.
Pilgrims and devotees from across West Bengal converged on Serampore on 16 July 2026 to witness the Mahesh Rath Yatra, one of the most significant Hindu chariot festivals in eastern India.
West Bengal marked a milestone on 16 July 2026 as the Mahesh Rath Yatra entered its 650th year of celebration — a testament to the enduring devotion to Lord Jagannath in Hooghly district.
The Mahesh Jagannath Rath Yatra in Serampore, Hooghly, stands as a living cultural and spiritual heritage of West Bengal — its 650th edition on 16 July 2026 drawing devotees in a vibrant display of faith and tradition.