Miniature Artist L. Eswar Rao Creates Tiny Chariot for Jagannath Rath Yatra
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 7: Miniature artist L. Eswar Rao from Odisha has crafted a two-inch chariot for the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra procession. This small but detailed piece is made to honor the traditional festival.
Speaking about his creation, L. Eswar Rao said, “This year, I have made a chariot of 2 inches in connection with the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra procession. It took me 7 days to build this chariot. I want to extend my wishes to everyone.”
The artist used incense sticks, paper, and thread to make the miniature chariot, and it took him 7 days to complete it. The tiny sculptures inside the chariot, which are only half a centimeter in size, were made from tamarind seeds. He also wished everyone well and prayed for Lord Jagannath’s blessings.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to the people on the start of the sacred Rath Yatra in Odisha. He posted on X, “Greetings on the start of the sacred Rath Yatra. We bow to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and pray that his blessings constantly remain upon us.”
The annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India’s most important and eagerly awaited festivals, began in Odisha’s Puri district on Sunday. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to witness the Rath Yatra in Puri, along with millions of devotees from across India. The festival offers a vibrant and spiritual experience for the many devotees who gather to witness this special occasion. This year, the event will be held for two days due to specific celestial arrangements.
The Jagannath Yatra also started in Ahmedabad with much excitement on Sunday morning. The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is believed to be as old as the Jagannath Temple in Puri. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon fortnight) in the month of Ashadh. The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is scheduled to be celebrated today, July 7, 2024. The festival is associated with Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings. During the Yatra, the deities Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are carried on wooden chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple in Puri.