Puri: The construction of chariots for Rath Jatra scheduled to be held on July 7, started on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya here today.
The auspicious day also marked the start of the 42-day Chandan Jatra of Shree Jagannath Temple.
Amid chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’, the Ratha Anukula ritual marking the beginning of construction of chariots for the annual Rath Jatra of the Trinity commenced today in presence of Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Vir Vikram Yadav.
Puri Collectors and SP also remain present and offered prayers to the holy wooden logs at Badadanda.
As per tradition, priests performed a yajna at the chariot construction yard located in front of the temple office along the Badadanda.
The servitors then brought agyanmallyas of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra in a procession from the Srimandir and handed those to three Biswakarmas (carpenters) as a mark of entrustment of responsibility for the construction of the chariots.
After three Dhaura timber logs were consecrated, the Biswakarmas with their gold and silver axes began the construction work.
Around 200 workers including carpenters, blacksmiths and tailors will be engaged to construct the chariots before the annual nine-day Rath Jatra which will begin on July 7.
On the day, the 21-day Chandan Jatra kicked off with traditional grandeur. Madan Mohan, the representing idol of Lord Jagannath, along with other deities was placed in the decorated Maniviman palanquin and taken to Narendra Pokhari, accompanied by Panchu Pandavas.
After arrival at Narendra tank, servitors escorted the deities to ‘Chandan Chakada’. The deities were then placed on board the swan-shaped boats popularly called Nanda and Bhadra for Chapa Khela.
Subsequently, the deities were bathed in sandalwood paste and aromatic water in the Chandan Kunda (bath tub). The deities were dressed in flowers and offered the Mandya bhog (a special delicacy) before being taken back to the temple in the evening.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the people of Odisha on this auspicious day.
Taking to X, Shri Modi said: “Akshaya Tritiya is a very auspicious day in Odisha and for the great Odia culture. This is the day when the making of chariots begins for the Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath.
It is also closely linked with Akhi Muthi Anukula, when farmers start sowing seeds. May the blessings of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath always remain upon us.”
Taking to X, the Chief Minister said: “My best wishes and congratulations to all on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath, may the farmers’ first showing of seeds be auspicious. May a good harvest this year bring happiness and prosperity in everyone’s life.”
Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious festival in Odisha, which is observed in the Vaisakha month of the traditional Hindu calendar.
As per the traditional rituals of the farming festival, the farmers perform ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’, the ritual of sowing seeds in their paddy fields after ploughing their lands.
It is also a festival that celebrates wealth, prosperity and good fortune. It is believed that any investments made on this day will bring prosperity and good fortune. Farmers in the state carry a basket of seeds and sow those in their fields as part of the rituals during the festival.