Preparation for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and sibling deities commenced in Puri, Odisha. The Rath Tatwabadharak, Sudarshan Mekap, along with two servitors, will travel to Nayagarh on February 1 to seek the deity’s consent and perform rituals. They will carry with them an ‘Agyan Mala’ (garland of the Lords’ consent), Patani, Saree offering, Takua Sarapuli, green gram Pitha and Ladu Mahaprasad. The other two Sevayats (servitors) are Bhoi servitor chief Rabi Bhoi and amin Laxman Mohapatra. The team will reach the temple of goddess Badaraula in Badamula under the Nayagarh forest division and invite the presiding deity. A Havan (homa ritual) will be performed at the shrine on February 2. The team will identify wood logs for chariot making, symbolically obtaining permission from the goddess. A total of 865 wood logs are needed for the three chariots, and the Ratha Katha Anukula ritual is set to take place on Shree Panchami. The car festival attracts devotees from across the globe to witness the grand procession.