Varanasi, July 7. Preparations for the historic Rath Yatra fair in Kashi have begun in full swing.
For the three-day fair starting on July 16, special repairs and beautification of the 60-year-old octagonal chariot, which will carry Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, are being undertaken. Considering the increasing number of devotees and security, this time the chariot is being made more modern and secure. Eight CCTV cameras will be installed on the chariot, and the Hanumat flag will be changed.
The secretary of the Trust Shri Jagannath Ji, Shailesh Tripathi, stated that the cleaning, painting, and technical repairs of the approximately 18-foot tall chariot made of teak wood, built in 1966, have already begun. The Hanumat flag on the chariot will be changed this time. Additionally, the old electrical system is being removed, and new lights and wiring are being installed.
To protect against rain, the chariot's canopy is also being repaired. To strengthen security, four new cameras will be added to the existing four CCTV cameras on the chariot, bringing the total to eight, which will help monitor activities in all directions during the fair. The Rath Yatra tradition in Kashi began in 1802.
As the number of devotees increased over time, a larger and stronger chariot was built compared to the previous one. The current chariot was constructed in 1966 from teak wood. Notably, according to tradition, some wood from the old chariot is always included in the new chariot.
It is believed that this preserves the divinity and energy of the Lord's chariot in the new one. Following this tradition, wood from the old chariot has also been used in the current chariot. Annual repairs and preservation are carried out to maintain its strength and historical form.
After the fair, the chariot will be safely stored in a new rathshala. The chariot will arrive at the fair site on July 15 at around 5 AM. On the same day, in the evening, after the arrival of the Lord's palanquin from the Jagannath temple located at Assi, the chariot will be worshipped at 6 PM amidst Vedic chants.
On the morning of July 16, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra will be ceremonially seated on the chariot. After that, they will be specially adorned, and with the sunrise, the darshan and worship for devotees will begin. The three-day Rath Yatra fair will continue until July 18.
The first day of the Rath Yatra is not only limited to the journey of Lord Jagannath but also marks the beginning of preparations for Durga Puja in Kashi. On the occasion of Ashadha Shukla Dvitiya, the Kathaam Puja (Khuunta Puja) will be performed, which is considered the formal beginning of Durga Puja. Idols of Mother Durga will be made from five types of clay brought from sacred places such as the Ganga banks, river confluence, and the roots of the Tulsi plant, along with about ten types of worship materials.
It is believed that on this day, divinity is infused into the clay, and sculptors seek forgiveness from Mother Durga for idol creation. After the Kathaam Puja, the idol-making process accelerates, and the construction of Durga Puja pandals begins throughout the city. This tradition in Kashi is deeply connected to the Durga Puja culture of West Bengal and has been an important part of religious faith and cultural heritage for years.
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