Cuttack: Preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath formally commenced on Friday with the ceremonial sawing of logs for chariot making at Khapuria in Cuttack, following the arrival of the sacred ‘Agyan Mala’ (divine permission) from the deities.
The ritual, held on the auspicious occasion of Rama Navami, began after temple priests performed traditional Puja-Archana of the logs. The atmosphere at the sawmill premises was imbued with religious fervour, resonating with the sounds of bells, conch shells, and hulahuli.
As per tradition, the first phase of the process saw the ceremonial cutting of three long Phasi logs. Additionally, three Dhaura logs were also sawn on the opening day.
Officials of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and Maharana servitors, who are traditionally entrusted with chariot construction, were present during the ceremony.
The SJTA informed that a total of 865 pieces of wood are required for the construction of the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. Of these, 47 pieces remained unused from last year, while the Forest Department is slated to supply 818 fresh logs this year.
The timber, comprising species such as Asan, Dhaura, and Phasi, is being sourced from forests across Odisha, including the Dasapalla region in Nayagarh district, and transported to the Khapuria sawmill for processing.
The wood will be cut in phases using machines, based on construction requirements. Once processed, the logs will be dispatched to Puri for the next stages of chariot building.
SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee stated that the sawn timber will soon be sent to Puri, marking the progression of preparations.
The annual Rath Yatra is scheduled to be held on July 16, and Friday’s ceremony signifies the official commencement of the sacred build-up to one of the largest religious festivals in the world.
