Rath Yatra: Construction Of Chariots Begins In Puri; Lord Jagannath & Siblings Take Boat Ride

Puri: The chariot construction yard here is buzzing with activity as chopping of logs of wood for the three chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings began on Wednesday.

The Biswakarmas set down to work after the Ratha Anukula or ceremonial beginning of construction of chariots on Akshay Tritiya on Tuesday.

The sevayats began with ‘Chirata’ work. As per tradition, a yajna was held at the chariot construction yard following which servitors brought agyanmallyas of the deities in a procession from the Jagannath temple and handed them to three Biswakarmas as a mark of giving them responsibility for construction of three chariots.

For construction of the three chariots, which will roll on the grand road on July 1 this year, 785 pieces of wood logs are required. Out of that 616 pieces of wood logs have already arrived in Puri, said the administration.

Chandan Yatra:

As part of the 21-day Chandan Yatra, Madan Mohan, the representing deity of Lord Jagannath along with Ramakrushna, Sridebi and Bhudebi were taken to the Narendra Pokhari on a decorated palanquin. The deities are placed on Nanda and Bhadra for ‘Chapakhela’ (boat race).

After two years of COVID break the devotees are allowed to witness the Chapa Khela. For this tight security arrangements have been made.

Ten platoons of police force have been deployed along the 1.5 km route from Singhadwara to Narendra Pokhari for smooth conduct of procession of deities.