Puri (Orissa): Majestic chariots, aromatic delicacies and deafening roar of drums and bells - that’s the festivity of Puri's Rath Yatra.
As the countdown to the nine-day spectacle of colors begins, artisans are ready to put their skills to work.
"We have very little time and have to complete three raths," says an artist
The Yatra will begin on July 16 and the three-km stretch in the holy city will see a gathering of at least 10 lakh devotees.
The Jagannath temple is equipped with kitchen a big enough to serve over one lakh people at a time.
As the numbers indicate, the economy of this holy town revolves around the festivities.
"The entire town depends upon this business for an entire year. In the end of the turnover there’s a turnover of Rs 50 crore," says Chief Administrator of Puri temple, Suresh Chandra Mahapatra.
This is also the time this temple gets its share of limelight. Gundicha Temple is where Lord Jagannath rests for the period of the festival.
The temple staff waits the entire year for these nine days.
"We have nothing to do except serve Lord Jagannath," says Priest of Gundicha temple, Premanand Mahapatra.
The history of Rath Yatra dates back to thousands of years and over a period of time this grand festival has seen big changes.
But what remains a constant in the temple town of Puri are the ecstasy and devotion of devotees.
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