Rath Yatra is the most magnificent and internationally famous festival of Puri, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra travel from the main temple to Gundicha Temple in elaborately decorated wooden chariots. This ancient festival transforms Puri into a spiritual epicenter as millions of devotees participate in pulling the massive chariots through the Grand Road. The festival represents the universal message of equality as people from all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed, or social status, come together to pull the chariots. The spectacular sight of towering chariots, enthusiastic crowds, and divine energy creates an unforgettable experience that attracts visitors from around the world.

Snana Yatra marks the sacred bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra with 108 pitchers of aromatic water on the full moon day of Jyeshtha month. This festival is considered the birthday of Lord Jagannath and holds immense spiritual significance. The deities are brought to the Snana Mandapa (bathing platform) where they undergo the ceremonial bath with various sacred substances including sandalwood water, rose water, and other fragrant materials. After the bath, the deities are adorned in special attire called 'Hati Vesha' (elephant costume) and are visible to devotees for darshan. Following this ceremony, the deities go into a 15-day seclusion period (Anasara) before emerging for Rath Yatra.

Chandan Yatra is the longest festival in Puri's religious calendar, celebrating the cooling summer ritual where representative deities (Madanmohan and Rama Krishna) are taken on boat rides in Narendra Tank with sandalwood paste applied to provide relief from summer heat. This unique festival combines water festivities with religious ceremonies as devotees gather around the sacred tank to witness the decorated boats carrying the deities. The festival features beautiful boat decorations, cultural programs, and evening ceremonies that create a festive atmosphere around Narendra Tank. The 21-day celebration includes various sub-festivals and cultural activities, making it a significant period of continuous celebration in Puri.

Dola Yatra in Puri is the grand celebration of Holi festival with unique Odishan traditions where Lord Jagannath and other deities are taken out in silver palanquins (dolas) for public darshan and festivities. The festival combines the joy of Holi with religious fervor as devotees play with colors, dance, and celebrate around the moving palanquins. The streets of Puri come alive with music, dance, and colorful celebrations as the procession moves through different parts of the city. Special sweets, traditional foods, and colored powders create a vibrant atmosphere. The festival showcases the cultural integration of Hindu traditions with local Odishan customs, creating a unique celebration experience.

Kartik Purnima is celebrated as the divine wedding anniversary of Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi, marked by special rituals, elaborate decorations, and community celebrations throughout Puri. The festival holds particular significance as it's believed to be the day when Goddess Lakshmi returns to Lord Jagannath after her annual visit to her parental home. The celebration includes special pujas, beautiful flower decorations, and the famous 'Rajarajeswari Vesha' where the deities are adorned in royal attire. The entire city participates in the festivities with homes and streets decorated with oil lamps and rangoli patterns. The festival creates a divine atmosphere of celebration and spiritual joy throughout Puri.

Makar Sankranti in Puri is celebrated with great enthusiasm as the harvest festival and marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn zodiac. The festival is particularly significant at Puri Beach where thousands gather for holy baths in the sea during sunrise, believing it brings prosperity and spiritual purification. The celebration includes traditional kite flying, special seasonal foods made from newly harvested crops, and cultural programs showcasing Odishan traditions. The beach becomes a colorful canvas with kites of various shapes and sizes filling the sky while devotees take sacred dips in the ocean. The festival creates a perfect blend of spiritual, cultural, and recreational activities.

Puri Beach Festival is a spectacular annual celebration that showcases Odisha's rich cultural heritage through sand art, classical dance performances, folk music, and traditional crafts along the pristine coastline. The festival transforms Puri Beach into a vibrant cultural hub where renowned artists from across India and internationally participate in creating magnificent sand sculptures, performing classical arts, and displaying traditional handicrafts. The event features world-class sand art competitions, Odissi dance performances, folk music concerts, cultural exhibitions, and food festivals that attract tourists from around the world. The festival perfectly combines natural beauty with cultural richness, creating an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal.