Keonjhar’s Jagannath Rath Enters Guinness Book

Keonjhar’s Jagannath Rath Enters Guinness Book

Keonjhar’s Rath Yatra is well-known all over Odisha for its glorious pomp and show and tradition. Now, the chariot of Lord Jagannath in Keonjhar has entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest Ratha Yatra chariot, informed Keonjhar Collector Ashish Thakre on Friday about the record during a function.

As per the record mentioned by guinnessworldrecords.com, the Ratha Yatra chariot in Keonjhar measures 22 m (72 ft) x 14 m (45 ft) x 14 m (45 ft). It was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records on 2 August 2019. The outsized Ratha Yatra chariot is reconstructed every year and is a tradition spanning more than 300 years.

Jagannath chariot of Keonjhar has already been adjudged as the tallest chariot with 72 feet height by India Book of Records, Asia Pacific Records, Global Records and Wonder Book of Records. This mega chariot at Keonjhar, has 16 wheels, 8 axles, 7 floors at different heights, and 15 feet long Dhaja Bata. 

The district administration of Keonjhar has laid out plans for the development of the Bada Danda (grand road) of the Baladevjew Temple. A grand corridor will be developed under the plan to improve the aesthetic environment, organized spaces, safety & hygiene, and contextual rejuvenation. Decorative floral paint of the grand corridor, construction of pedestrian pathways and covered drains, organized vending arrangements and peripheral development of Mausima Temple, water body and open areas are some of the development works to be carried out at the shrine.

Thakre also informed that the ongoing construction inside the temple including Bhoga Mandap and Bhajan Mandap will be completed soon before this year’s Rath Yatra.