Baripada (Odisha) [India], July 7 (ANI): The historic Baripada Rath Yatra, recognized as the second-largest chariot festival in Odisha following Puri, is entering its final preparatory phase as artisans hustle to finalize the construction of three magnificent chariots ahead of the event scheduled for July 16.
Referred to as Dwitiya Srikhetra, Baripada is buzzing with activity as skilled craftsmen collaborate with the local administration to ensure the centuries-old festival runs smoothly.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of devotees from Odisha and neighboring states flock to the town to help pull the chariots dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
The chariot construction commenced on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. Currently, about 70 percent of the building work is finished, with the district administration facilitating the procurement of special timber from the forest department for the chariots’ construction.
A dedicated team of 12 artisans is actively painting traditional designs on the chariots, while more than 50 experienced Ratha Maharana are engaged in the overall building process.
Although heavy rain and other obstacles have caused some delays, the artisans are intensifying their efforts to ensure the project is completed on time.
Artisan Prabhas Ranjan Jena shared with ANI, ‘We do the painting work. Everything is done using traditional methods. Because of the rain, the work on the chariot has been delayed a bit, but as soon as the weather improves, we’ll resume work at full speed. We currently have 12 people working so that the project can be completed on time. Overall, it takes around 50 people to build the chariot.’
Another artisan, Suraj Kumar Behera, mentioned, ‘The Rath Yatra here is on the 16th. We’re currently doing the painting work. The work started a little late, so even the children are helping alongside us. We’ll complete everything in the next few days, install these idols on the chariot, and then the Rath Yatra will begin.’
The Jagannath Temple in Baripada, established in 1575 by King Baidyanath Bhanjdeo, holds significant religious and cultural importance in the area. The annual Ratha Yatra is celebrated as one of Odisha’s major festivals, highlighting the state’s rich heritage and lasting traditions.
As the festival draws near, devotees are making arrangements to travel to Baripada and partake in this sacred tradition, which is believed to bestow blessings and prosperity.
Simultaneously, local authorities are prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and crowd management to ensure the event unfolds seamlessly.
