Puri, Jan 23: On the auspicious occasion of Shree Panchami, the Rath Yatra preparations have officially commenced with the ritual worship of the chariot wood. Three pieces of 12-foot-long Dharua wood, brought from Nayagarh Banakhanda, have been placed in front of the Shree Mandir office and will be ceremonially worshipped this evening.

Following tradition, after a special puja is performed to Maa Saraswati by the Rajapurohita and Srotiya Brahmins, the wood will be worshipped at the Rath Khala by the Rajguru and other priests before the chariot construction begins.

Devotees and temple authorities will offer prayers to Shree Jagannath for the smooth and peaceful completion of this year’s Rath Yatra. As per the schedule, the wood carving process for the chariot will officially begin on Ramanavami.

A total of 865 pieces of wood are required to build the Rath. Of these, 47 pieces were already available from last year. The remaining 818 pieces are being procured in phases. On January 20, three trucks delivered 83 pieces of Dharua and Asana wood to Puri. Among them, three pieces of 12-foot Dharua wood will be worshipped today as part of the ceremonial rituals.

Temple authorities have confirmed that all preparations are on track for the grand annual event, which draws devotees from across the world.