Koraput: Jeypore, one of Odisha’s oldest temple towns, is set to celebrate its unique Rath Yatra on Friday, with thousands of devotees gathering to witness the ceremonial pulling of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and goddess Subhadra a day after the festival is observed across the state. This year’s celebrations hold added significance as the deities will be seated on a newly-built chariot for the first time in several years.Unlike elsewhere in Odisha, where both the rituals and the chariot procession take place on Rath Yatra day, Jeypore follows a centuries-old tradition of pulling the chariots on the following day, though rituals such as “pahandi” and “chhera pahanra” are performed on the same day as the statewide festival.Though there is no documented historical evidence explaining the practice, local accounts trace its origin to the erstwhile Jeypore kingdom. Tribal researcher Paresh Rath said the tradition dates back to the time when the Jeypore royal palace was located at Puranagada.“The Rath Yatra was first held at Puranagada, where “bethias” or bonded labourers were engaged to pull the chariots. After the royal palace shifted to present-day Jeypore, the festival was celebrated at both places. The “bethias” would first pull the chariots at Puranagada on Rath Yatra day and then come to Jeypore the day after to continue the procession,” Rath said.Although the zamindari system was abolished decades ago and the “bethia” practice ceased to exist, the second-day chariot procession has continued uninterrupted. Another popular belief links the tradition to a tragedy in the erstwhile royal family that allegedly took place on Rath Yatra day, prompting the procession to be deferred by a day. However, no historical records support this claim.This year’s festival is expected to draw even larger crowds with the unveiling of a completely new chariot. Construction began on Akshaya Tritiya and was completed over two months by a team of 14 carpenters and four painters.“The earlier chariot was built in the Mukhasala style. The new one has been designed in the traditional Rekhadeula style seen in Puri and other parts of Odisha. Earlier, only damaged wooden components were replaced every year. This time, we have built an entirely new chariot,” said Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, who initiated the project.Chief craftsman Santosh Maharana said the redesigned chariot has been widened from 22 ft to 28 ft, while its height has increased from 30 ft to 42 ft. The diameter of the wheels has also been increased from 5 ft to 6 ft 6 inches, making the structure more imposing.“The Jeypore Rath Yatra is a unique blend of royal legacy, tribal heritage and living tradition. Elaborate arrangements, including security, healthcare, drinking water and sanitation, have been made to ensure a smooth and incident-free festival,” said Sabyasachi Jena, tehsildar-cum-endowment officer, Jeypore.
