Ratha Jatra-2024: Preparation begins for world famous car festival in Odisha’s Puri

Puri: The preparation for this year’s Ratha Jatra (car festival) of the sibling deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra began today in the 12th Century Vaishnavite shrine in Puri.

Accordingly, a three-member group led by the Rath Tatwabadharak named Sudarshan Mekap will travel to Nayagarh on February 1, taking with them an ‘Agyan Mala’ (garland of the Lords’ consent), Patani, Saree offering, Takua Sarapuli, green gram Pitha and Ladu Mahaprasad. The other two Sevayats (servitors) are Bhoi servitor chief Rabi Bhoi and amin Laxman Mohapatra.

The group will reach the goddess Badaraula temple in Badamula under the Nayagarh forest division and invite the presiding deity. Hence, a Havan (homa ritual) will be performed at the shrine on February 2.

Subsequently, Asan, Fasi, and Dhaura wood logs will be identified for chariot making. After obtaining the symbolic permission of the goddess, some identified trees will be felled.

Notably, a total of 865 pieces of wood logs are required for the chariot making. Three separate chariots are built for the Holy Trinity. About 65 pieces of wood logs were left out since the last year and around 800 logs will be required for this year’s car festival. Ratha Katha Anukula ritual will be performed on auspicious Shree Panchami after the first phase of Dhaura logs reaches the pilgrim town.