Puri (Odisha). Preparations for the world famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 are going on war footing in the coastal city of Puri, Odisha. The grand inauguration of this biggest symbol of faith and global brotherhood festival is going to happen from 16th July. On this auspicious occasion, the district administration and the temple management have made elaborate arrangements for the safety, convenience and smooth darshan of lakhs of devotees coming from India and abroad. During this unique festival of Sanatana tradition, three main deities emerge from the sanctum sanctorum — Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra — to appear among the devotees. These three idols are pulled on three huge traditional wooden chariots by lakhs of devotees immersed in the ocean of reverence and devotion. Nandighosh (Chariot of Lord Jagannath): This chariot is about 45 feet high, with 16 huge wheels.
Taladhwaja (Chariot of Lord Balabhadra): This chariot, about 44 feet high, is prepared with 14 wheels.
Darpadalan (Chariot of Goddess Subhadra): This chariot with 12 wheels is about 43 feet high.
These three grand chariots are pulled through the main road of Puri (Bada Danda) to the famous Gundicha temple (the house of the Lord’s maternal aunt) located about 3 kilometers away. According to tradition, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Mata Subhadra stay here for a whole week (about 9 days). During this period, special pujas and rituals of Chhappan Bhog are performed in the Gundicha temple.
After this, on the return journey (called ‘Bahuda Yatra’) all three deities return to their main abode in the sanctum sanctorum of ‘Jagannath Temple’. According to the temple administration, the work for the construction of the chariots had started from Akshaya Tritiya itself and now the artisans are busy in giving the final touches to complete all the rituals on time.
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