Rath Yatra 2025: Chariot dismantling work begins in Puri after a delay

The Puri Srimandir Temple administration initiated the process of dismantling the three gigantic chariots of the Sibling Deities on Friday. The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, which had been parked in front of the Singhadwar since Rath Yatra will be dismantled today. Though delayed, the work is now underway under strict security arrangements.

Dismantling Begins With Goddess Subhadra's Chariot

The process of dismantling commenced with the chariot of Goddess Subhadra. The Bhoi sevayats, entrusted with this task, started the work by first conducting the necessary rituals. Senior Bhoi sevayat Kartik Bhoi explained that the delay was caused by the finishing of a new storage facility. 

“The delay is due to the finishing of the store room constructions. After the godown was completed, we were given the order to dismantle the chariots,” he said.

Another sevayat added, “Chariot dismantling has begun following important rituals. Chariots are dismantled from the top. Around 10 sevayats will take part in this ritual of dismantling the chariots.”

New Godown for Chariot Storage

For the first time, a permanent godown has been constructed at Masani Chandi Sahi to store the dismantled chariots. Srimandir Security Administration officials stated, “This year, a permanent godown for the chariots was built in the Masani Chandi Sahi. That is a modern godown equipped with the latest technology. The dismantled chariots will be stored inside it.”

Security forces have been deployed around the site to prevent any untoward incident as massive wooden structures are being taken down.

With strict vigil and adherence to tradition, the dismantling process is expected to continue until all three chariots are fully stored in the newly built godown.