Countdown to Rath Yatra 2024: Preparations Commence for Odisha’s Iconic Car Festival in Puri

Puri: Preparations for this year’s Rath Yatra, the car festival of the revered sibling deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, have commenced at the 12th Century Vaishnavite shrine in Puri.

A three-member team led by Rath Tatwabadharak Sudarshan Mekap will embark on a journey to Nayagarh on February 1. They will carry an ‘Agyan Mala’ (garland symbolizing the Lords’ consent), Patani, Saree offering, Takua Sarapuli, green gram Pitha, and Ladu Mahaprasad. The team includes Bhoi servitor chief Rabi Bhoi and Amin Laxman Mohapatra.

Upon reaching the goddess Badaraula temple in Badamula under the Nayagarh forest division, a Havan (homa ritual) will be performed on February 2. Subsequently, Asan, Fasi, and Dhaura wood logs will be identified for chariot construction. After securing symbolic permission from the goddess, selected trees will be felled.

Notably, 865 wood logs are required for crafting three separate chariots for the Holy Trinity. With approximately 65 logs remaining from last year, around 800 logs will be needed for this year’s car festival. The Ratha Katha Anukula ritual is scheduled on the auspicious Shree Panchami after the first phase of Dhaura logs reaches the pilgrim town.