Bhubaneswar: The sacred construction of wooden chariots for the annual Rath Yatra, scheduled on July 16, commenced on Akshaya Tritiya in Puri on Monday.Sacred logs were ceremonially placed at the Ratha Khala — the designated worksite near the Jagannath temple — where the chariot-making started. Amid the chanting of hymns, conch blowing, and drumbeats, the ritual started after the temple sent the Agyan Mala (garland of permission). Following prayers, the Vishwakarma servitors (carpenters) initiated the construction.At least 742 pieces of wooden logs of different species will be used for the construction of Jagannath’s 45.6 ft-high Nandighosh chariot, 731 logs for Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja 45 ft-high chariot and 711 logs for Subhadra’s Darpadalana 44.6 ft-high chariot.Around 200 artisans and servitors, including carpenters, Bhoi servitors, blacksmiths, woodcutters, tailors, and painters, are engaged in the preparation. “We have received most of the required timber from the forest department. A ceremonial puja marked the start of the construction,” a temple official said.The auspicious day also marked the beginning of the 42-day Chandan Yatra of the Jagannath temple, observed in two phases: Bahara Chandan (outer) and Bhitara Chandan (inner), each lasting 21 days.During the first phase of outer Chandan Yatra, representative idols of the deities—Madanmohan, Rama, Krishna, Laxmi, and Saraswati—are taken in procession to the sacred Narendra tank for evening water sports. They are accompanied by the five Shivas, known as Pancha Pandavas (Lokanath, Yameswar, Markandaya, Kapal Mochan, and Nilakantha). The idols are placed in boats—Madanmohan, Laxmi, and Saraswati in one; Rama, Krishna, and the Pancha Pandavas in another—for a ceremonial cruise with music and dance.The second phase is observed inside the temple, where servitors perform special rituals.Meanwhile, Puri police have announced strict enforcement of the government’s ban on fireworks and crackers during the festival. “Adequate personnel have been deployed for the safety of devotees. Fireworks and crackers are prohibited,” said SP (Puri) Prateek Singh.The precaution comes in the wake of the tragic incident at Narendra tank on May 29, 2024, when explosions from high-intensity crackers claimed the lives of 17 devotees, including seven minors, during Chandan Yatra celebrations.
