Jagannath Rath Yatra returns to Budge Budge streets after 34 years

After a gap of 34 years, the Jagannath Rath Yatra will once again be held on the streets of Budge Budge, starting from Chittarganj Kalibari. The rath (chariot) will travel to the Shiv temple at Budge Budge Chourasta, locally known as Masibari. The last time the chariot was pulled through the streets was in 1990. Since then, only rituals were performed inside the temple premises during Rath Yatra every year.

According to locals, the tradition originally began at the residence of Jagannath Das, a resident of the Haldarpada area in Budge Budge. In 1980, he donated the chariot to the then Kalibari committee for worship and maintenance. Due to financial difficulties and lack of official permission, the chariot was left unused in a dilapidated state in the Kalibari compound after 1990. Despite this, annual pujas and a small fair were held within the temple complex on the day of Rath Yatra.

In 2025, the chariot has been reconstructed using neem and teak wood at an estimated cost of ₹2 lakh. The rebuilding has been made possible by the donation of an anonymous devotee, who took initiative after learning about the condition of the old rath. The same devotee had brought idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from Puri last year, which are now installed in the temple. These idols will be placed on the new chariot during the procession.

The Kalibari committee has confirmed that the Rath Yatra will take place on June 27. The procession will feature dhak players, dance troupes, and large traditional fans to provide cooling to the deity. On the return journey, known as Ulta Rath, Lord Jagannath will be dressed in garments shaped like golden ornaments. These will be displayed for public viewing. Preparations are ongoing round-the-clock to ensure the chariot is completed on time.

Smriti Ranjan Ghosh, joint secretary of Chittarganj Kalibari, stated that the entire event is being organised with community support. He said the chariot, which had not been moved for nearly 35 years, will finally be pulled again on the streets of Budge Budge. He added that local residents are emotionally connected to the revival of this tradition.