Today, the Bada Danda (Grand Road) in Puri, Odisha, witnessed the “chaka dera anukula” ritual, marking a significant step in the preparations for the annual Rath Yatra scheduled for July 7. This ritual coincided with the Bhaunri festival and is an essential precursor to attaching the wheels to the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra. The “chaka dera anukula niti” began with the arrival of the Agyan Mala, symbolizing the deities’ permission to proceed with the task. Garlands sent by the deities from within the Jagannath Temple confirmed their consent for the ritual to proceed.

The ceremony was carried out by the temple servitors, starting with Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhwaja, followed by Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosa, and concluding with Devi Subhadra’s chariot, Darpadalana. Approximately 200 carpenters from the Maharana and Bhoi communities are involved in constructing the three chariots. With the completion of this ritual, they now have the formal approval to attach the wheels to the chariots, ensuring the progression of preparations for the grand Rath Yatra. This ritual underscores the meticulous traditional processes observed in the lead-up to the Rath Yatra, ensuring that all activities are performed with the deities’ blessings and in accordance with ancient customs.