Bhubaneswar’s KIIT Jagannath Temple is abuzz as preparations intensify for its 19th annual Rath Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees this year. Since Akshaya Tritiya, the temple campus has been transformed into a bustling workshop, where carpenters, artists, and assistants labor day and night to construct the grand ceremonial chariots.

More than 40 skilled workers are engaged in crafting these intricate chariots, adhering closely to traditional designs and rituals first observed during KIIT’s earlier Rath Yatras. The project marks a remarkable journey—from makeshift beginnings to today’s vibrant community festival—emblematic of KIIT’s devotion to cultural continuity.

Organizers emphasize that this Rath Yatra transcends a mere procession; it’s a profound celebration of faith and collective unity. The chariots—once completed—will bear the deities in a ritual journey echoing Puri’s legendary festival, culminating in prayers, community feasting, and religious media outreach.

As Bhubaneswar readies for the Rath Yatra on June 27, the spirited flurry of activity at KIIT signals not just a religious event, but a vibrant reaffirmation of Odisha’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.