The construction of the ceremonial chariots for the world-famous Car Festival of Puri commenced on the auspicious day of Akshaya Trutiya, following traditional rituals performed on Wednesday. This year, the much-anticipated Car Festival of Puri Srimandir will take place on June 27.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has made arrangements for the ritualistic beginning known as ‘Rath Anukula’, which signifies the commencement of chariot construction for the annual celebration of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. By established tradition, three sacred logs were placed at the Rath Yard (Ratha Khala) in front of the SJTA office, located on Bada Danda in Puri. This ceremony was marked by a Yajna (sacred fire ritual) conducted by the temple priests, symbolizing the official start of the chariot construction process.
Before initiating the construction, the temple priests performed necessary rituals to consecrate the materials. Upon completion of the Yajna, the 'Agyanmala', sacred symbols representing the sibling deities, were brought in a ceremonial procession from the Srimandir and presented to three skilled carpenters, known as Vishwakarmas, who are entrusted with the task of crafting the chariots.
As part of the rituals, the temple priest first sanctified the three wooden logs by touching them with three miniature golden axes. These axes were blessed with specific mantras invoking the ‘Maa Dakhinakali’ blessings. Following this, the Vishwakarmas began their revered work in constructing the chariots.
The ceremonial wrapping of sarees (sadhibandha) was conducted on the heads of ten categories of Maharanas (the laborers), which included the chief chariot builder (Mukhya Vishwakarma), the main Bhoi servitor, the artist (Chitrakara), Rupakara, the blacksmith, and others involved in the construction process.
During the performance of the Rath Anukula ritual, representative deities of Lord Jagannath and his siblings were brought to the Rath Yard in palanquins, further enhancing the significance of the occasion. The chariot construction officially commenced post the priests’ consecration of the logs, accompanied by the chanting of sacred hymns, setting the stage for one of India's most revered religious festivals.
