How Rath Yatra Chariots Are Built Without Nails — Odisha’s 900-Year-Old Sacred Craft

Explore the ancient tradition behind Jagannath Rath Yatra’s wooden chariots. Handcrafted without nails by temple artisans, these chariots use traditional Odia techniques passed down for generations.

The Rath Yatra chariots are handcrafted with precision, tradition, and zero nails.

Source : Twitter/@nilambarrath

Every year during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, three colossal wodden chariots dominate the streets. These massive chariots carry Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra, and Subhadra on their divine journey to their aunt's place, the Gundicha Temple. One thing that mesmerises the devotees in not just the divine procession. It's the unbelievable fact that these giant chariots are built entirely without nails or any modern tecniques. 

This age-old practice is not just a religious ritual, it's a living example of India's intangible heritage. It's an eco-conscious marvel of ancient Indian engineering that has remained unchanged for over 900 years. 

Rath Anukala: A Craft Rooted In Devotion

The construction of these wooden chariots begin every year on Akshay Tritiya. This ritual, known as Rath Anukala, marks the spiritual start of the Jagannath Rath Yatra preparations. 

The wood used for construction of these chariots is specially selected neem wood or Daru Brahma from designated forests. The trees that are used in making these divine chariots are selected in accordance with temple scriptures and brought with ceremonial processions.

But what sets these chariots apart? No iron or modern tools are used. Skilled temple carpenters or Maharanas use ancient joinery techniques, wooden pegs, coir ropes, and natural adhesives to bind massive logs of wood together. This is believed to maintain the sanctity and organic purity of the deities’ vehicles.

Three Deities, Three Chariots, Three Masterpieces

Each year before the Jagannath Rath Yatra, all three chariots are built completely from scratch. There's no reuse or any shorcut. 

• Nandighosh: Nandighosh is Lord Jagannath's chariot which towers at about 45 feet with 16 wheels. It's painted in vibrant red and yellow, symbolising universal brotherhood and is the most elaborate of the three. 
• Taladhwaj: Standing at a height of 44 feet, this chariot belongs to Balbhadra. Its green and red colour symbolises strength, patience, and righteousness.
• Darpadalana: This 12-wheeled chariot of Subhadra is 43 feet tall. It's coloured in black and red, representing feminine power and protection.

Over 1,400 pieces of wood are intricately assembled and carved per chariot. Every cut, join, and alignment is guided by oral tradition, passed down for centuries.

The ropes used to pull the chariots, called 'Rahas,' are made from strong natural fibre like coconut fibre. The weaving of these ropes is also a ritual task that's assigned to a specific community of Odisha. 

The act of pulling the chariot is considered one of the most powerful forms of karm yog, believed to cleanse sins and bring divine blessings.

Carpenters Chosen By Birth

The Maharanas who build the Rath Yatra chariots are not hired craftsmen. Instead, they belong to specific temple servant lineages. These families inherit the right to construct the chariots. Their knowledge is passed down orally, from generation to generation, and is considered part of Jagannath Mahaprabhu’s living tradition.

No blueprints are drawn and artisans use their inherited memory and intuition. It's believed that Lord Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, spiritually guides the artisans during construction.

In a world full of machines and automation, Jagannath Rath Yatra remains a symbol of sustainable living, sacred craftsmanship, and community unity. From wood sourcing to the final paintings of the chariots, every act is performed as an offering to Lord Jagannath. These nail-free chariots of Puri reminds us of a time when devotion, sustainability, and tradition worked in perfect harmony.