Exciting Preparations for Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha

Preparations are in full swing in Puri, Odisha, for the Jagannath Rath Yatra scheduled on July 7. Three new wooden chariots are being built for Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhadra. The chariots, made by local artists, have 16, 14, and 12 wheels respectively.

Bal Krishna Moharana, part of the construction team, explained, “Three chariots are prepared for Prabhuji Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra Maa. Jagannath Ji’s chariot has 16 wheels, Balabhadra Mahaprabhu’s chariot has 14 wheels, and Maa Subhadra’s chariot has 12 wheels. New wood comes every year from the jungles of Daspalla, Nayagarh.”

He added that after the yatra, the wood is used as firewood to prepare Prasad at the Jagannath Temple. The construction involves 200 people and takes two months, using traditional methods and ancient measurements.

The Ratha Jatra or Chariot Festival is believed to be as old as the Jagannath Temple. It involves the Holy Trinity’s journey to their maternal aunt Goddess Gundicha Devi’s Temple and back. The festival is celebrated globally, from New Zealand to South Africa and New York to London.