Puri Rath Yatra Chariot Work Begins on Akshaya Tritiya

The construction of the three grand chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began in Puri on Monday, marking the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Trutiya. This traditional event signals the start of preparations for the world-renowned Rath Yatra, which will take place on July 16. Devotees and temple servitors gathered to witness the sacred ceremony. The commencement of the work follows centuries-old customs and rituals. The annual festival attracts millions of pilgrims from across the globe.

Biswakarma Sevaks, the hereditary carpenter servitors of the temple, formally initiated the construction process at the Ratha Khala. They performed the ceremonial first strike on the selected wooden logs using a golden axe. Earlier, priests conducted a yagna and received the Agnya Mala, the divine garland symbolizing permission from the deities to begin the work. Chief priest Biswambar Dash of Mukti Mandap led the Banajag puja. The rituals marked the official launch of chariot building for the festival.

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Chariot Construction Starts in Puri

Temple authorities have arranged specially selected timber supplied by the Forest Department for the construction. The Nandighosh chariot of Lord Jagannath will stand 45.6 feet tall and require 742 wooden logs. Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot will reach a height of 45 feet and use 731 logs. Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana chariot will measure 44.6 feet and need 711 logs. Officials expect the construction work to continue over the coming weeks.

More than 200 skilled artisans have joined the project to build and decorate the chariots. The workforce includes carpenters, blacksmiths, woodcutters, tailors, and painters. Each group contributes its expertise to ensure the chariots meet traditional standards and artistic excellence. The artisans will carefully craft every component and ornament. Their efforts play a crucial role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Rath Yatra.

Alongside the chariot construction, the 42-day Chandan Yatra festival also commenced on Akshaya Trutiya. During the first phase, known as Bahara Chandana, temple servitors take representative idols and the Pancha Pandava Shivalingas in a ceremonial procession to Narendra Tirtha. The deities enjoy evening boat rides on the water to provide relief from the summer heat. Celebrating the occasion, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a vibrant sculpture of the sibling deities on Puri beach. He also extended festive greetings and highlighted the spiritual importance of the day through social media.

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