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States » EastPosted at: Apr 30 2025 8:01PM


Construction of three chariots for Rath Yatra begins on auspicious Akshaya Tritiya

Puri (Odisha), Apr 30 (UNI) The construction of the three chariots for the annual Rath Yatra and the 21-day Chandan Yatra began on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya here on Wednesday.
As per tradition, priests performed a yajna at the Rath construction yard and consecrated three Dhaura timber logs.
Pujapanda servitors brought the Agyanmala (divine garlands of command) of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in a procession from the Shri Mandir and handed them over to the three Biswakarmas (carpenters) entrusted with constructing the chariots.
The Biswakarmas were presented with headgear (turbans) as a symbol of responsibility. They then began the construction work with ceremonial axes.
Around 5:30 PM, Madan Mohan, the representative idol of Lord Jagannath, along with Ramakrushna, Sridevi, and Bhudevi, boarded a beautifully decorated palanquin, the "Maniviman," and began their journey to the Narendra Tank, accompanied by the Pancha Pandavas in their respective palanquins.
The Bimanbadus, a special group of servitors, carried the palanquins on their shoulders.
Upon arrival at the Narendra Tank, the deities were anointed with sandalwood paste to cool them and were offered bhog (sacred food offerings).
The deities were then escorted onto two swan-shaped boats, popularly known as Nanda and Bhadra, for the Chapa Khela (boating ritual). This marked the beginning of Dina Chapa (daytime boating). In the evening, the Rati Chapa (night boating) was conducted.
After the boat ride, the deities were given a fragrant sandalwood paste and aromatic water bath at the Chandan Kunda (sacred bath) located in Chandan Chakada. The servitors offered Mandua Bhog (a special delicacy) and adorned the deities with flowers. Late in the evening, the deities returned to the temple. A large number of devotees witnessed the boating ritual.
Five platoons of police personnel, headed by an Additional Superintendent of Police, along with several officers and fire service personnel, were deployed to prevent any mishap, following last year's tragic Chandan Yatra firecracker accident that claimed 17 lives.
The display of firecrackers has been banned. First aid centers were set up, and a feedback counter has been opened by the police near the Narendra Tank, encouraging devotees to share their opinions, experiences, and feedback regarding the festival arrangements.
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