Grand chariot construction nears completion ahead of Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra festival

As Odisha prepares for one of its largest and most revered religious celebrations, the iconic wooden chariots for the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 are entering the final phase of construction, bringing the annual festival one step closer. At the traditional Ratha Khala workshop, teams of artisans are carrying out the final decorative and structural work on the massive wooden chariots that will transport Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra during the much-awaited festival. Construction began on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya and has progressed steadily over the past weeks.

Craftsmen involved in the project said most of the construction work has already been completed, while detailed finishing work continues on decorative sections, painted panels and ornamental structures surrounding the deities’ seating area. The chariots are now moving into the final preparation phase before the procession.