Puri: The construction of three chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra has began in Puri. The chariots are newly constructed every year with wood of specified trees like phassi, dhausa, etc.
They are customarily brought from the ex-princely state of Dasapalla, now in Odisa, by a specialist team of carpenters who have hereditary rights and privileges for the same. The logs are traditionally set afloat as rafts in the river Mahanadi. These are collected near Puri and then transported by road.
This year, the Rath Yatra will commence from July 12.
Presently, the premises of Jagannath Puri temple are closed due to skyrocketing Covid-19 cases in the state.
