Fascinating Facts
Largest Chariot
Procession in the World
The Rathayatra is
recognized as the largest chariot procession globally, with thousands of
devotees pulling the massive chariots through the streets of Puri.
New Chariots Every Year
Every year, new
chariots are constructed for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
Though freshly built, the structure, model, and design remain unchanged,
preserving centuries-old tradition.
Unique Celebration
This is the only
festival in the world where the deities are taken out of the temple sanctum
and carried in grand chariots, symbolizing divine accessibility to all
devotees.
Wood Collection Ritual
The collection of wood
for the chariots begins on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami,
marking the start of preparations months before the festival.
Colors and Grandeur
- Lord Jagannath’s chariot
(Nandighosha) is decorated in red and yellow
and is the largest among the three.
- Balabhadra’s chariot (Taladhwaja)
is slightly smaller, while
- Subhadra’s chariot (Darpadlana)
is the most compact.
| Deity | Chariot Name | Height | Wheels | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lord Jagannath | Nandighosha | 44 feet | 16 | Red & Yellow |
| Balabhadra | Taladhwaja | 43 feet | 14 | Blue & Green |
| Subhadra | Darpadlana | 42 feet | 12 | Black & Red |
Bahuda Yatra
On the 8th day (Ashada
Shukla Dasami), the chariots return to the Jagannath Temple in a ritual
known as Bahuda Yatra, completing the divine journey.
Sacred Recycling
After the festival, the
chariots are dismantled, and the wood is used as fuel in the
Jagannath Temple kitchen, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Mahaprasad Tradition
Every day, 56 dishes
(Chhappan Bhog) are prepared as offerings. The Mahaprasad is cooked
in seven earthen pots or wooden utensils, stacked one above the other,
with the topmost pot cooking first—a unique culinary miracle.