Khordha, Mar 15: Khordha district’s Dia village in Tangi block is gearing up for the grand Ashokashtami Rath Yatra of Shri Shri Kapileshwar Dev, one of the oldest Shaiva shrines in Odisha. The annual festival, celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, will see the deity’s Vijay Rath procession, a tradition deeply rooted in Odia culture and devotion.

This year, the construction of the sacred chariot has already begun. Since Dol Purnima, artisans from Madhuban village, belonging to the Maharana community, have been diligently engaged in the work. For generations, these skilled craftsmen have carried forward the legacy of building Kapileshwar Dev’s Rath, a task they consider both a duty and a source of pride.

The construction requires 350 to 400 pieces of wood, which are being sourced from nearby areas. Members of the temple management committee have appealed to the state government’s Forest Department to provide additional timber to meet the shortfall. Under the supervision of the Khordha Sub-Collector, the Tangi Tehsildar and the temple committee are overseeing the entire process to ensure timely completion.

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The Rath Yatra will coincide with the Ashokashtami celebrations of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar, scheduled for March 26 this year. On that day, Kapileshwar Dev’s Rath Yatra will be held at the temple premises, drawing devotees from across the region. Temple servitors and committee members are working tirelessly to make the event a success.

The festival is not only a spiritual occasion but also a cultural highlight, reflecting Odisha’s rich traditions of craftsmanship, devotion, and community participation. As preparations continue, the anticipation among devotees grows, with the Rath Yatra expected to be a grand spectacle of faith and heritage.

Compiled by: Satabhisa Jena