Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: What Makes Rath Yatra Chariots Special? Devine Design, Devotion, Gita Link, More

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: World-famous Puri's Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, also known as the Festival of Chariots, has begun on Friday, June 27. The festival marks the ritualistic procession of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The annual festival brings life to the temple town of Odisha. Preparations for the festival began more than four months ago for the construction of the grand chariot of the gods.

It takes months of labour, hard work, cooperation and craftsmanship for the construction of the grand and divine chariots, which are central to the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri. Here are all the details you need to know about the chariots used in Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Chariots: How They Are Constructed?

Jagannath Rath Yatra chariots construction is not an easy task and requires days of coordinated labour, patience and supply of seasoned and sturdy logs of wood.

The woods used in the construction of Jagannath Rath Yatra are generally of phassi (cashew) and dhausa (suar). The chosen wooden sticks are believed to have auspicious qualities and are considered sacred.

Examination of Logs

The process of Jagannath Rath Yatra chariot construction begins with the initial examination and selection of logs of woods. Artisans carefully examine the wooden logs and check their quality and sturdiness to identify whether the pieces would be suitable for the construction of the chariot.

Preparing For Chariots

After the selection of woods, artisans, known as Maharana, skilfully shape the wood into intricately designed components, including wheels, axles, beams, and elaborate carvings. These components are then meticulously assemble using traditional joinery techniques. The whole process is executed without the use of any nails or screws.

With their years of experience, maharanas carve, shape, and assemble the wooden components of the chariots with meticulous precision. Later, these wooden logs are carefully interlocked to build a sturdy structure.

Carrying The Essence of the Bhagwat Gita

A total of three chariots are constructed for the Rath Yatra for Lord Jagannath and his siblings, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. All three Rath Yatra chariots have unique characteristics and dimensions. Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, known as Nandighosa, is nearly 45 feet tall and consists of 18 wheels, which symbolises the 18 chapters of the sacred Bhagwat Gita.

Balabhadra's chariot, known as Taladhwaja, has 16 wheels and is nearly 44 feet high. Whereas, Subhadra's chariot, known as Devadalana, is nearly 43 feet tall and has 14 wheels. All the chariots are decorated with beautiful items, intricate carvings, bright colours and decorative motifs.

About Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is performed annually in Puri, Odisha. The procession this year is scheduled to begin at 4 pm. During the yatra, the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, are drawn by a multitude of devotees in three massive wooden chariots on bada danda to Gundicha Temple. After the Rath Yatra, the three deities reside there for a week and then return to the Jagannath Temple.

The Rath Yatra is held from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple and is probably 3 kilometres long. The procession is generally carried out on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paskha in the month of Ashadha, (usually June-July).

The Jagannath Ratha Yatra symbolises a notion that hte deities step out from their sanctum to meet devotees, surpassing social and religious barriers. During the procession, the Gajapati King of Puri, performs the ceremonial ritual of 'Chhera Panhara', ie sweeping the chariots.