Bhubaneswar: The construction of chariots for world famous Rath Yatra began today with the customary Ratha Anukula ritual on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Friday.
A special worship was performed for the three logs of wood at the chariot yard (Ratha Khala) after receiving (Anja Mala) divine permission from Lord Jagannath.
Senior Maharana servitors (carpenters) symbolically touch the logs with gold and silver axes marking the beginning of the chariot construction.
After the ritual, the Bhoi and Maharana servitors will commence the construction of three chariots from tomorrow.
Akshaya Tritiya also marks the beginning of the ‘Chandan Yatra’ of the sibling deities in Puri. The festival will continue for 21 days.
