Kendujhar: Lakhs of devotees thronged the streets of Kendujhar on Thursday to witness the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Shri Baladev Jew, as the world’s tallest wooden chariot, Nandighosha, rolled majestically along the town’s Badadanda amid chants, devotional songs and traditional rituals.
Standing 72 feet tall and measuring 46 feet in width, the 16-wheeled Nandighosha is recognised as the tallest single wooden chariot in the world. The towering structure remains the defining attraction of Kendujhar’s centuries-old Rath Yatra, drawing devotees from across Odisha and neighbouring states every year.
The festival is distinguished by several unique customs rooted in the region’s tribal heritage. The massive chariot is pulled using ropes crafted from Siali creepers by members of the Bhuyan community, a tradition that has been preserved over generations. Another distinctive feature is the idol of Goddess Subhadra, who is depicted in a vermilion (kumkum) shade instead of the customary yellow, reflecting the tantric traditions associated with the region.
The rituals began with the ceremonial Pahandi, during which the deities were brought out of the temple in a grand procession and placed on the chariot. The traditional Chhera Pahanra ritual was then performed by the king before the chariot began its journey through the Grand Road.
Devotees turned out in large numbers despite unfavourable weather conditions and enthusiastically joined in pulling the chariot, creating an atmosphere of deep religious fervour and celebration.
The temple of Lord Baladev Jew, regarded as the second-largest Vishnu temple in the world, remains the focal point of the festival and a prominent centre of worship in northern Odisha.
The district administration, supported by various voluntary organisations, made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival. Security personnel were deployed at strategic locations, while barricades were erected around the chariot route to regulate the movement of devotees.
Voluntary organisations distributed drinking water, refreshments and prasad at several locations along the Grand Road. Fire services, ambulances and other emergency response teams were also stationed across the festival area to ensure prompt assistance in case of any emergency.
