Preparations Begin for Rath Yatra with Traditional Puja at Badaraula Peetha

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Nayagarh/Daspalla: (Reported by Ratnakar Hota): Preparations for the globally renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath have officially commenced today with traditional rituals. The sacred ceremony to bless the wood required for the construction of the chariots was conducted at the Badaraula Peetha, near the Khalakhala bridge in Gania block of Nayagarh district, on Tuesday morning. 

Rituals at Badaraula Peetha 

In adherence to tradition, a team of three independent representatives from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) arrived at the peetha with Ajnamala (divine garlands), Mahaprasad, and ceremonial fabrics (Khandua), facilitated by the Nayagarh Forest Division. Santha Sevak Lalit Das led this revered puja and started the ritual with Naam Sankirtan. 
SJTA's Ritual Officer Rabindra Nath Dash, senior chariot supervisor Sudarshan Mekap, and wood inspector Laxman Mohapatra were among the important dignitaries in attendance. They ensured respect to the temple's ancient practices by transferring ceremonial objects to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Nayagarh. 

Sacred Wood Identification Process Begins 

The wood required for the construction of the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra is primarily sourced from Nayagarh forests. This year, 814 pieces of wood are required for the construction. While 51 pieces are already available in the temple’s inventory, the remaining will be supplied by the Nayagarh Forest Division. 
On Wednesday, the labelling and identification of the timber will start. 385 pieces of Dhaura, 332 pieces of Asana, 72 pieces of Phasi, and three pieces of Simili are among the several types of wood that were selected. These will be utilised for various chariot components while upholding the accuracy and standard required by custom. 

Timeline for Rath Construction 

The wood-cutting process is expected to conclude before Saraswati Puja. After being transported to Puri, the Anukula Puja (initiation ceremony) will be performed at the temple premises using a 12-foot-long Dhaura log. Following this, the logs will undergo seasoning and preparation. 
The second significant event will be the Chirata Anukula ritual at Karataka, near Cuttack, on the auspicious occasion of Sri Ram Navami. The final construction of the chariots will begin on Akshaya Tritiya on Puri’s Grand Road (Bada Danda). 

Participation from Authorities 

The sacred puja at Badaraula Peetha was conducted under the guidance of Kshama Sadangi, Nayagarh’s District Forest Officer, with active participation from Daspalla Forest Range Officer Sudarshan Dehuri, Gania Range Officer, and Chamundia Range Officer. The ceremony and the accompanying wood collection operation were well coordinated thanks to the attendance of several Nayagarh Forest Division officials and employees. 

A Unity and Devotion Ritual 

The temple administration and forest officials begin working together to ensure the chariots are prepared on time with this solemn ceremony. It is evidence of the smooth planning and adherence to custom that sustain the annual Rath Yatra's splendour. 
Devotees worldwide excitedly anticipate the splendour of Rath Yatra 2024, a festival signifying devotion, togetherness, and Lord Jagannath's holy voyage, as the preparatory stage progresses.