Puri Prepares for Ratha Yatra: Chariot Construction Begins on Akshaya Tritiya
Synopsis
The annual Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath has officially begun in Puri, as chariot construction rituals took place on Akshaya Tritiya. This marks the start of a vibrant 21-day summer festival filled with tradition and reverence.
Key Takeaways
Ratha Yatra is a major religious festival in Odisha.
Chariot construction rituals began on Akshaya Tritiya .
The festival includes a 21-day celebration of the holy triad .
Traditional rituals such as wood cutting are key aspects of preparation.
Festivities extend beyond Puri to various religious sites in Odisha.
Bhubaneswar, April 20 (NationPress) The iconic annual Ratha Yatra dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra officially kicked off on Monday with the significant rituals of chariot construction known as ‘Ratha Katha Anukula Puja’ taking place in Puri, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
In a statement to the press, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), announced that the first phase of this year’s Ratha Yatra commenced today with the initiation of chariot construction.
He noted that all traditional rituals associated with the chariot construction, or ‘Ratha Katha Anukula Puja’, proceeded without any issues on Monday.
Following the ceremonial puja, the Vishwakarma Maharana servitors began the age-old process of chariot construction, starting by binding a sacred cloth around the logs, succeeded by the symbolic wood cutting with a golden axe, a significant ritual that has been preserved through generations.
The Chandan Yatra or Sandalwood Yatra for the holy triad was inaugurated in the sacred town on this auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. This 21-day long summer festival honoring the deities of the renowned Jagannath Temple is celebrated with immense religious fervor in Puri.
Each day of the festival, the representative idols of the deities, including Madanmohan, Rama, Krishna, Bhudevi, Shreedevi, and five Shivas (known as the Panch Pandavas), are ceremoniously showcased in a grand procession and transported to the Narendra Tank near the Jagannath Temple, where they are placed on exquisitely decorated boats.
These boats are then gently navigated across the waters amidst a lively atmosphere filled with traditional music and dance performances. This festival is not only celebrated in Puri but also across various religious sites in the state, underscoring its deep cultural significance throughout Odisha.
Padhee, the SJTA Chief Administrator, expressed optimism that this year’s Chandan Yatra and the Ratha Yatra festival would unfold smoothly, with the blessings of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings.
Point of View
It's clear that the commencement of the Ratha Yatra chariot construction signifies a deep cultural and religious reverence in Odisha, drawing attention to the traditions that unite the community during this significant period.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ratha Yatra?
Ratha Yatra is an annual festival celebrating Lord Jagannath, where the deities are taken out in a grand procession on elaborately constructed chariots.
When does the Ratha Yatra take place?
The Ratha Yatra typically takes place in the month of June or July, but the chariot construction rituals begin on Akshaya Tritiya, which usually falls in April or May.
What is the significance of Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious day in Hindu culture, believed to bring eternal success and prosperity.
What rituals are involved in chariot construction?
The chariot construction involves several traditional rituals including Ratha Katha Anukula Puja, tying sacred cloth to the logs, and symbolic wood cutting with a golden axe.
Where is the Ratha Yatra celebrated?
While primarily celebrated in Puri, the Ratha Yatra is also observed in various religious sites across Odisha, highlighting its cultural significance.
