Puri: The preparatory process for the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026 of Lord Jagannath formally begins today with the departure of a representative team from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to Badamul in the Dasapalla range of Nayagarh district.
The team, led by the Rath Tattvabadharak of the SJTA, will visit the temple of Bada Raula Thakurani to perform age-old rituals seeking divine permission for the cutting of wood required for the construction of the holy chariots.
As part of the traditional observance, the team is carrying sacred items including mala (garlands), mahardd, coconut, betel leaf, sindoor, lamp, and naivedya (offerings). The delegation also includes Rath Amin Lakshman Mahapatra, who oversees chariot construction, and Bhoi Sardar Rabi Bhoi, representing the traditional servitor community associated with the wood-cutting process.
On Tuesday, following the performance of puja-archana at the Bada Raula Thakurani temple, the formal process of cutting the chariot wood will commence after obtaining the goddess’s permission, in keeping with long-standing religious customs.
According to the SJTA, a total of 865 wooden logs are required annually for the construction of the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. As 47 logs remain unused from the previous year, the administration will procure 818 new logs this year. These include asana, dhaura, and phasi varieties of wood, traditionally used for chariot construction.
The collected wood will be sanctified on Saraswati Puja, while the actual construction of the chariots will begin on Akshaya Tritiya, marking another significant milestone in the annual cycle of Rath Yatra rituals.
The commencement of these preparations underscores the meticulous planning and deep-rooted traditions associated with the grand festival, which draws millions of devotees to Puri each year.
