Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took part in the Pahandi rituals and Snana Utsav of Lord Jagannath on Wednesday, marking a spiritual beginning to the final phase of preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra festival in Puri.
The Pahandi Bije — the ceremonial procession of the sibling deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — was held with traditional grandeur. Devotees witnessed the divine trio being carried from the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple to their chariots amid chants, drumbeats, and conch sounds.
Meanwhile, the construction of the chariots for the Rath Yatra began on Akshaya Tritiya (April 30), as per age-old tradition. The sacred carpentry work is being executed by skilled artisans using time-honoured techniques, preserving the festival’s deep cultural and religious significance.
The Rath Yatra 2025 is scheduled for June 27, celebrated annually on Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Ashadha. The grand procession will see the deities ride through the streets of Puri in elaborately decorated chariots, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has ramped up preparations, ensuring logistics, security, and infrastructure are in place for the massive pilgrimage.
The Rath Yatra, also known as the “Festival of Chariots,” is not only a religious event but also a celebration of Odisha’s spiritual identity and rich heritage. With the festival nearing, anticipation is building across the state and among Jagannath devotees worldwide.
