The sacred process of preparing for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath has officially begun with the cutting of logs for the construction of the three majestic chariots in Cuttack’s Khapuria sawmill, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. This annual ritual marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to the grand Rath Yatra festival held in Puri, Odisha. The commencement of log cutting was conducted with full religious sanctity, following the arrival of the ‘Agyan Mala’ (divine garland of permission) from the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. This garland serves as a symbolic blessing, permitting the sacred act of sawing the wood intended for the divine chariots.

During the initial phase, three logs were ceremoniously cut, setting the stage for the traditional construction of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The sacred event was attended by Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), along with other senior temple officials and authorities. Also present was the revered Maharana (chief carpenter), who holds a pivotal role in ensuring all the age-old customs and rituals are properly observed during the chariot-building process. His guidance is instrumental in maintaining the religious and cultural sanctity of this deeply spiritual process.

As per long-standing tradition, the logs are selected and worshipped on Basant Panchami, and the ‘Chirata’ rituals are performed on Ram Navami, leading up to the commencement of the chariot construction. The logs used for the Rath Yatra are carefully chosen and treated as sacred. Speaking on the occasion, SJTA Chief Arabinda Padhee said, “According to tradition, the initial sawing is conducted at the Khapuria sawmill in Cuttack each year. The actual construction of the chariots will formally begin on Akshaya Tritiya.”

The Rath Yatra, one of the biggest religious festivals in India, draws millions of devotees from across the globe to Puri every year. The preparation process — starting from the cutting of wood, to the final assembling of the giant chariots — is carried out with utmost devotion and adherence to the rituals outlined in centuries-old traditions.