In Puri, skilled artisans are completing the three Jagannath Rath Yatra chariots with traditional tools, devotion, and precision ahead of the annual procession.
Chariots Enter Final Phase
Puri is in the final stretch of preparations for the Jagannath Rath Yatra, as around 220 artisans work to complete the three grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The construction has now entered its last phase, and artisans are giving careful finishing touches before the chariots are handed over for the annual procession.
Tradition At Work
The artisans are using traditional hand tools to carve wooden panels, decorate motifs, and complete the structural details of the chariots. Their work reflects the deep cultural heritage of Odisha, where the annual chariot-making process follows a strict ritual timeline and remains tied to devotion as much as craftsmanship.
Timeline Of The Work
Chief carpenter Bijaya Mohapatra said the work begins on Akshaya Tritiya and ends on Netra Utsav, with around 220 people involved in the process. He added that carpenters, assistants, and painters all contribute to completing the chariots on schedule, and that this year the work began a month earlier than usual.
Skilled Teams In Coordination
Artisans, painters, and servitors have been working in coordinated teams to keep the work moving smoothly. They spend long hours ensuring that every panel, design, and decorative element looks precise and symmetrical, because the chariots must be ready for the world-famous festival on time.
Craftsmanship And Devotion
One artisan described his role as that of a rupakar, meaning someone who shapes and decorates according to the required design. He said the team works with devotion and treats the task as sacred service, not just manual labour. That spirit has helped preserve the age-old tradition of building the chariots every year for the festival.
Festival Preparations In Full Swing
The three chariots are newly built each year for the Rath Yatra, and this year they have taken shape as scheduled ahead of the grand procession. The Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple said all preparations connected with the Rath Yatra are progressing smoothly and according to plan.
A Living Heritage
The final stage of chariot-making shows how traditional art, religious practice, and community effort come together in Puri. Even as the festival approaches its public celebrations, the artisans’ work reminds devotees that the Rath Yatra begins long before the first pull of the ropes.
Main Highlights
- Around 220 artisans are involved in the final phase of chariot work.
- The work begins on Akshaya Tritiya and ends on Netra Utsav.
- Carpenters, assistants, and painters all contribute to the build.
- Artisans use traditional hand tools for carving and decoration.
- The chariots are newly built every year for the Rath Yatra.
- Preparations are progressing smoothly according to temple authorities.
- The artisans work in coordinated teams for precision and symmetry.
- One artisan described the work as devotional shaping and decorating.
- The chariots are entering their final finishing stage before the procession.
- The effort reflects Odisha’s living cultural and artistic heritage.
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