Puri: The preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri have officially moved into a critical phase. On the auspicious occasion of Shri Ram Navami, the traditional ceremony for sawing the timber (Ratha Katha Chirata) began in Cuttack. This marks the formal start of constructing the massive chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. 
During the ceremony, workers performed the initial sawing of three 12-foot-long Dhaura logs. These specific pieces of wood are designated for the construction of the Ara (spokes) of the chariot wheels. An eight-member team attended the event, including the temple’s senior supervisor, the Rath Amin, the Bhoi Sardar, and the chief Biswakarma Maharana (master carpenters) of the three chariots.
The wood used for the chariots is of specific varieties known for their strength and durability, such as Asan, Dhaura and Phasi.
These valuable logs are collected from the forests of Dashapalla in Nayagarh and other districts. After collection, the Forest Department transports them to the Khapuria Saw Mill, where machines cut them into precise sizes according to the traditional designs of the chariots.
With the sawing process now underway, the focus shifts to the skilled artisans who will transform these raw logs into the magnificent wooden vehicles that will carry the deities through the streets of Puri.
The Sacred Ritual at Khapuria
Following age-old traditions, a special delegation from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) traveled from Puri to the Khapuria Saw Mill in Cuttack. The team carried sacred items, including the Agyan Mala (divine garlands), Mahaprasad, and coconuts, to seek blessings for the task ahead.During the ceremony, workers performed the initial sawing of three 12-foot-long Dhaura logs. These specific pieces of wood are designated for the construction of the Ara (spokes) of the chariot wheels. An eight-member team attended the event, including the temple’s senior supervisor, the Rath Amin, the Bhoi Sardar, and the chief Biswakarma Maharana (master carpenters) of the three chariots.
Timber Requirements and Logistics
The Chief Administrator of the SJTA, Arabinda Padhee, confirmed that the construction process is following a strict schedule. This year, the festival requires a total of 865 pieces of timber. Since 47 pieces remained from the previous year, the State Forest Department will supply the remaining 818 logs.The wood used for the chariots is of specific varieties known for their strength and durability, such as Asan, Dhaura and Phasi.
These valuable logs are collected from the forests of Dashapalla in Nayagarh and other districts. After collection, the Forest Department transports them to the Khapuria Saw Mill, where machines cut them into precise sizes according to the traditional designs of the chariots.
Looking Ahead to July
The Rath Yatra is scheduled to take place on July 16. The construction of the chariots is a marvel of traditional engineering, as the carpenters do not use any metal nails or modern blueprints. Every step, from the first cut of the wood on Ram Navami to the final touches before the festival, follows centuries-old customs.With the sawing process now underway, the focus shifts to the skilled artisans who will transform these raw logs into the magnificent wooden vehicles that will carry the deities through the streets of Puri.
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