Bhubaneswar, Aug 4: In a significant recognition of Odisha’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, the wheels of the three chariots used during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri will be installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The proposal received the approval of President Droupadi Murmu after it was presented by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee met President Droupadi Murmu at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Monday and formally submitted the proposal. The President approved the initiative, paving the way for the ceremonial chariot wheels to be displayed at the presidential estate as a tribute to the centuries-old Jagannath tradition.

The wheels are from the three iconic Rath Yatra chariots—Nandighosh of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalan of Goddess Subhadra. These sacred chariots are rebuilt every year for the world-famous Rath Yatra festival in Puri, symbolising devotion, faith and Odisha’s unique cultural identity.

The chariot wheels will now be transported to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where they are expected to be installed as permanent symbols of Odisha’s enduring spiritual and cultural legacy. The move is being seen as a matter of pride for the state and a significant step in showcasing the Jagannath tradition at the highest constitutional residence of the country.

The installation is expected to further strengthen national recognition of Odisha’s centuries-old heritage and highlight the global significance of the Jagannath culture.