Rath Yatra preparations begin in Puri

Rath Yatra preparations have begun in Puri, Odisha. On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, Wednesday, the work of building the chariots began as per tradition at the Shri Jagannath Temple. The annual religious procession began with the cutting of wood at the ‘Rathkhala’ (chariot making place) in the ancient 12th century temple premises.

The traditional ‘Chandan Yatra’ of Jagannath Dev has begun from this day. During this 42-day festival, symbolic idols of the gods are taken into the water, so that they can find peace from the scorching heat of summer. The first 21 days of the ‘Bahar Chandan Yatra’ are held in the famous Narendra Pond in Puri and the remaining 21 days are held in the temple premises, which is known as the ‘Bhitar Chandan Yatra’.

 The inauguration of the Chandan Yatra and the construction of the chariot was attended by the Chief Officer of the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration, Arvind Padhi, Puri District Magistrate Siddharth Shankar Swain, Superintendent of Police Vineet Agarwal and the temple workers. Through a special puja, the workers brought the ‘Ajnamala’ or the garland of instructions of the deity from the temple and worshipped three huge wooden logs in the chariot hall.

Then, with the recitation of the Vedic mantras and the worship of Dakshinakali, the ‘Vishwakarmas’ or carpenters started cutting the first wood by touching the wood with a ‘golden axe’. This work will continue for the next 58 days. Three huge chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath will be built.

More than a hundred ‘Vishwakarmas’ (artisans), ‘Chitrakars’ (artisans who decorate the chariots) and other helpers are participating in the construction of the chariots. Temporary shelters and drinking water facilities have been prepared for them. 

This year's Rath Yatra will be held on June 27, and with preparations already underway, the religious atmosphere in Puri is already alive. Rath Yatra is not just a religious event, but a major cultural festival of Odisha and India, with a following that is felt by devotees across the globe.