Preparation For Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra Begins In Odisha’s Puri

Puri: The preparation for this year’s world famous rath yatra of Lord Jagannath and sibling deities began at the 12th Century shrine in Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri on Monday.

Initiating the process, a three-member group led by the Rath Tatwabadharak (custodian), Sudarshan Mekap got ready to travel to Nayagarh on February 1. They will carry with them an ‘Agyan Mala’ (garland of the Lords’ consent), Patani, Saree offering, Takua Sarapuli, green gram Pitha and Ladu Mahaprasad, sources said.

The other two Sevayats (servitors) are Bhoi servitor chief Rabi Bhoi and amin Laxman Mohapatra.
The team will reach the temple of goddess Badaraula in Badamula under the Nayagarh forest division and invite the presiding deity. A Havan (homa ritual) will be performed at the shrine on February 2.

Thereafter, wood logs of Asan, Fasi, and Dhaura will be identified for chariot making. After obtaining the symbolic permission of the goddess, some identified trees will be felled.

It may be noted here that a total of 865 pieces of wood logs are required for the chariot making. Three separate chariots are built for the Holy Trinity – Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra.

Around 65 pieces of wood logs were left out since the last year and around 800 logs will be required for this year’s car festival. Ratha Katha Anukula ritual will be performed on auspicious Shree Panchami after the first phase of Dhaura logs reaches the pilgrim town.