Thursday, May 1 2025 | Time 11:49 Hrs(IST)
States » East


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.
UNI XC DP CS
More News

Itanagar Police return 75 lost mobile phones during 10th Samvad event

01 May 2025 | 2:55 AM

Itanagar, Apr 30 (UNI) In its continued effort to strengthen community-police engagement, the Itanagar Capital Police successfully returned 75 recovered lost mobile phones to their rightful owners during the 10th edition of Samvad held at Chimpu on Wednesday under the 'Police Ajin' initiative.

see more..

Union Minister demands Home Ministry's intervention in alleged terror threat against Indian Army para commando

01 May 2025 | 12:19 AM

Kolkata, Apr 30 (UNI) Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday sought the intervention of Union Home ministry against an alleged threatening handwritten poster, which was found outside the West Bengal residence of an Indian Army para commando currently deployed in Jammu and Kashmir with a note "Gourav er mundu chai" (Want Gourav's head) and "Pakistan Zindabad".

see more..

Bihar: Sone Canal to benefit farmers of Rohtas, Buxar

30 Apr 2025 | 11:00 PM

Patna, Apr 30 (UNI) In order to solve the problems of irrigation and to provide proper irrigation facility to the farmers of Buxar and Rohtas districts, famous as the rice bowl of Bihar, the government was working on war footing to revive Chausa branch canal of Sone Canal system.

see more..

Increasing functional referral units in Bihar govt's top priority: Minister

30 Apr 2025 | 10:31 PM

Patna, Apr 30 (UNI) Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Wednesday said increasing the number of functional referral units was the state's NDA government's top priority as part of efforts to improve treatment facilities in the districts.

see more..
Suvendu Adhikari welcomes bail granted to Bangladeshi Hindu monk Chinmoy Das

Suvendu Adhikari welcomes bail granted to Bangladeshi Hindu monk Chinmoy Das

30 Apr 2025 | 9:51 PM

Kolkata, Apr 30 (UNI) Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday welcomed the bail
granted to Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das by the Bangladesh High Court.

see more..