Preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026 of Lord Jagannath formally began today with the departure of a representative team from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to Badamul in the Dasapalla range of Nayagarh district.
Led by the Rath Tattvabadharak, the team visited the temple of Bada Raula Thakurani to perform rituals seeking divine permission for cutting wood required for the construction of the holy chariots. As part of the observance, the delegation carried sacred items including garlands, coconut, betel leaf, sindoor, lamp, and naivedya. Rath Amin Lakshman Mahapatra, who oversees chariot construction, and Bhoi Sardar Rabi Bhoi, representing the servitor community, also joined the team.
On Tuesday, after puja-archana at the temple, the formal cutting of chariot wood will begin with the goddess’s consent, continuing a centuries-old tradition.
According to SJTA, the construction of the three chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra requires 865 wooden logs annually. Since 47 logs remain unused from last year, the administration will procure 818 new logs this year. The wood varieties include asana, dhaura, and phasi, traditionally used for the chariots.
The collected wood will be sanctified on Saraswati Puja, while actual construction will commence on Akshaya Tritiya, marking another milestone in the annual cycle of Rath Yatra rituals.
