A story of ancient wisdom, passed down through generations of skilled artisans who use their hands and their faith to create these divine vehicles
OdishaPlus Bureau
Every year, in the sacred city of Puri, a spectacle of faith and tradition unfolds. Three magnificent chariots, towering over the crowds, are built from scratch for the Holy Trinity: Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister, Devi Subhadra. But this is no ordinary construction project.
There are no engineers, no modern machinery, and no scientific blueprints. This is a story of ancient wisdom, passed down through generations of skilled artisans who use their hands and their faith to create these divine vehicles.
This is the untold story behind the grand chariots, a journey into the heart of a tradition that continues to awe and inspire millions. This monumental construction culminates in the world-renowned Rath Yatra, the nine-day-long Chariot Festival held in the holy town of Puri, Odisha. As one of the largest carnivals on the planet, it pulls an astonishing four to five million devotees and visitors to this small town on the Bay of Bengal over two weeks.
This vibrant procession, where the deities travel to their aunt’s temple, called Gundicha Temple, is a sight to behold, a powerful testament to unwavering faith. In fact, Puri stands as the second largest hub for religious tourism in India, and the Rath Yatra marks the absolute peak of this spiritual convergence, creating an atmosphere charged with devotion and unparalleled energy.
A Special Report by Team OdishaLIVE.
