In Puri, Odisha, extensive preparations are being made at the Gundicha Temple in anticipation of the annual Rath Yatra, which begins on July 16. The temple is being adorned to receive Lord Jagannath and his siblings, who will reside there for a week during the chariot festival.
Known as the birthplace of Lord Jagannath, Gundicha Temple serves as a temporary home for the deities after they leave the Shree Jagannath Temple as part of this significant religious event in India.
With thousands of devotees expected to flock to Puri for the celebration, temple officials and the Odisha government are ramping up their efforts to facilitate smooth rituals, manage crowds, and address various festival-related needs.
“The preparations for this year’s Chariot Festival are in full swing, and they are at the very final stage. Both at the Sri Mandir and at the other end of the Gundicha Temple, all the preparations are almost done. You can see the traditional Jhoti Chita, the traditional artwork of Odisha, being done at both ends of the temples. Inside the temple also, all the developmental works are almost over,” stated Padhee.
The Jhoti Chita artwork, a vital aspect of Odisha’s cultural identity, is being created within the temple grounds as part of the festival preparations.
Meanwhile, Bhabani Das Mohapatra, a servitor from the Jagannath Temple, shared that all involved parties—temple administration, the Odisha government, and Puri residents—are collaborating to ensure the Rath Yatra’s success.
“The temple administration, the Odisha Government, and the people of Puri—everyone is united in prayer. Lord Jagannath Himself guides and blesses the successful conduct of the Rath Yatra. Mahaprabhu Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe… only He can ensure that the Rath Yatra is conducted smoothly and without any obstacles,” Mohapatra remarked.
He expressed optimism that this year’s Rath Yatra would be a memorable occasion, attributing its potential success to the collective commitment of devotees, servitors, authorities, and the people of Puri.
“While everyone involved will continue to make every effort, all preparations at the Shree Jagannath Temple are progressing with great enthusiasm for this grand and divine festival. This year’s Rath Yatra will be historic because it reflects the collective efforts of devotees, servitors, the temple administration, the Odisha Government, and the people of Puri. When everyone works together with devotion and determination, the festival becomes truly grand and memorable,” he added.
Another servitor, Hara Prasad Das Mohapatra, who currently works at an IT firm in Bengaluru, stated that he returns to Puri annually to fulfill his traditional duties during the Rath Yatra.
“Service begins with Snana Purnima and continues until Niladri Bije. No matter where we live or work—whether in Odisha, elsewhere in India, or abroad—we must return to Puri during this period to perform our duty,” he shared.
He emphasized that servitors adhere to strict religious practices throughout this period.
“During this time, we observe strict religious discipline. We eat only Havishya food (sattvik diet) and refrain from eating or drinking anything outside. We may work elsewhere for eleven months of the year, but during Rath Yatra, we must return to serve Lord Jagannath,” he stated.
During the festival, Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, is taken from the Shree Jagannath Temple and pulled by devotees in three large wooden chariots to the Gundicha Temple, where they will remain for a week before returning to their original temple.
This annual Rath Yatra draws millions of devotees from across India and beyond, with authorities making extensive preparations to ensure a smooth celebration.
