Puri: The spiritual heart of Odisha resonated with divine fervor today as the sacred countdown for Rath Jatra 2026 officially commenced on the auspicious tithi of Shree Panchami.
In a timeless tradition that bridges the mortal and the divine, the inaugural ceremony for the construction of the three majestic chariots was performed following the invocation of Goddess Saraswati.
The air was thick with devotion as the Anukool Puja was solemnized, marking the ritualistic sanctification of the chariot timber, valued at 3 crore, which will eventually carry the Lord of the Universe on His annual journey.
The ceremony, held with deep reverence in front of the Srimandir office, saw the participation of the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, alongside District Collector Shri Dibya Jyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Shri Prateek Singh.
Surrounded by temple dedicated servitors, officials, employees, and the master artisans whose lineage has crafted these divine vehicles for generations, the atmosphere was one of profound emotional and cultural significance.
For the people of Odisha and devotees worldwide, this ritual is more than a mere administrative start; it is the awakening of a year-long yearning to see Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra grace the Bada Danda.
With folded hands and a heart full of humility, Chief Administrator Dr. Padhee sought the ultimate blessings of Mahaprabhu for the smooth conduct of the upcoming festival.
Dr.Padhee emphasized that the grand spectacle of the Rath Jatra is a collective prayer, calling upon the cooperation of every devotee and official to ensure the Lord’s journey is fulfilled with grace.
As the first strokes of the ritual began, the collective spirit of the gathering reflected a singular hope: that through the mercy of the Lord, the 2026 Rath Jatra will bring peace and prosperity to all.