Rath Yatra 2025: Puri Srimandir officials conduct survey in Bargarh forest to select timber for chariots

A five-member team from the Puri Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) arrived in Bargarh to conduct a survey for selecting wood for the construction of chariots of the Holy Trinity ahead of Rath Yatra. 

According to sources, the team will assess the availability of suitable timber in the Padampur forest. Along with them, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Bargarh will also be present during the survey.

The Puri temple administration has officially communicated with the DFO regarding this process. The selected wood will be transported to Puri, where the Maharana servitors will use them to construct the grand chariots for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

Earlier in February this year, the unique ritual of ‘Ratha Katha Anukula’ was performed at Puri Srimandir.

The event involved the ceremonial worship of robust timber (Dhaura Katha), signifying the beginning of traditional chariot construction for the upcoming Rath Yatra.

Aso Read: Plan to set up ‘Annakhetra’ outside Puri Srimandir ‘Uttara Dwara’: Gajapati Maharaja

Notably, 101 pieces of timber, including Ashan and Dhaura wood, were transported to Puri pilgrimage town from the forests of Nayagarh and Dasapalla in three trucks for the chariot construction.

Notably, Rath Yatra is scheduled to take place on June 27, 2025.