Puri: The ‘Chaka-Akha Dera’ ritual was performed in Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri on the occasion of the auspicious Bhaunri Yatra on Monday. With this a traditional milestone in the construction of the three grand chariots for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings was completed.
As per the age-old customs, Agyan Mala (garland of divine order) was taken to the Rathakhala, the chariot-making yard, signifying divine approval for the construction process.
The Chaka-Akha Dera ritual means the fixing of two wheels and an axle of each chariot of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Devi Subhadra. The ritual is conducted on the occasion of Bhaunri Yatra, the last day of the Bahara Chandan Yatra of the deities. After the conclusion of the Bahara Chandan Jatra, the remaining 21 days of the Bhitara Chandan Jatra will be completed inside the premises of Shree Jagannath Temple.
This ancient tradition is revered by devotees, marking a crucial phase in the preparation for the world-famous Rath Yatra.
Meanwhile, with lakhs of devotees expected to visit the pilgrimage site, special arrangements have been made to manage the crowd efficiently and uphold the sanctity of the event.
As Puri gears up for the grand Rath Yatra, the fervor among devotees continues to rise, bringing alive the rich heritage and spiritual significance of this centuries-old tradition.
Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda Padhee told reporters that the Chaka-Akha-Dera ritual was conducted smoothly and the chariot construction process is underway as per plan.
