19 April 2026, i.e. the day of Akshaya Tritiya… This day is considered very special in Hindu religion. But it is also connected with the journey of Lord Jagannath. This is the day from which the work of making the chariot to participate in the journey of Lord Jagannath is started. What wood is used to make this chariot, what method is adopted, how many laborers are required and how much time is taken… further we will try to know the answers to all these questions.
The process of making the chariot is quite complex and sacred. Every year there remains curiosity among the devotees regarding this. The special reason behind this is that not a single nail is used in this chariot nor is any machine used. Not only this, this time the chariot made by hand will be made from 865 wooden sticks. It will take 230 artisans to make it. This chariot will be ready by 7th July. That means it will take a total of 79 days to make it.
Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath Temple will be held on 16th July. Rath Khala camp has been built near Shri Mandir (main temple). Three gold axes will be brought blessed with the mantras of Maa Dakshina Kali. The priests will touch the axes with the wood used to build the chariot. After this the chariot construction started. About 230 people will be involved in completing its construction work, which includes 60 Vishwakarma Maharana, 80 Bhoi Sevayat, 15 blacksmiths, 20 to 30 painters, 10 tailors and 20 Rupkar Sevayat.
The chariot will not be constructed with new modern technologies, but according to the scriptures. In the construction of the chariot, the wheels will be made first. Only after this the remaining part will be prepared. Chariot making work will continue from 6 am to 10 pm. It is being told that some servants work outside, but come here during chariot construction. Everyone eats only vegetarian food until the service work is completed. Don't even bring onion and garlic at home.
The chariots of Jagannath temple are mainly made from sacred and strong wood of trees like Phasi, Dhaura, Asan, and Simli. This has been going on for centuries. According to Sevayats, machines, wood cutters or nails are not used in making the chariot, nor are tools like trowel, hammer and mortar used.
