Puri, April 21(BNP):The construction of the sacred chariots for the 2026 Rath Yatra officially commenced on April 20, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
The rituals began with the traditional ‘Rath Katha Anukula’ ceremony on the Grand Road (Bada Danda), where the atmosphere resonated with devotional chants and prayers. The process was marked by the ceremonial use of a golden axe by the Biswakarma Sevaks, who performed the first strike on selected logs (Dhaura Katha), symbolizing the beginning of chariot construction.
The rituals were conducted after the arrival of the ‘Agyan Mala’ (garland of consent) from Lord Jagannath at the main temple, signifying divine approval. Priests also performed a sacred yagna (fire ritual) near the Rath Khala area in front of the Puri King’s palace before the cutting of the wood commenced.
This marks the formal beginning of preparations for the grand festival, with the construction of three majestic chariots—Nandighosha (45.6 ft) for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja (45 ft) for Lord Balabhadra, and Darpadalana (44.6 ft) for Goddess Subhadra.
The commencement of chariot construction signals the start of one of the most revered religious events, drawing millions of devotees from across the country and beyond.
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