Pipili (Puri), July 11 (UDN): With the annual Rath Yatra 2026 just days away, the artisan town of Pipili in Odisha has come alive as hundreds of families work tirelessly to prepare the sacred ‘Chanduas’—the colourful appliqué canopies that adorn the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra during the world-famous festival.

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Renowned globally for its centuries-old appliqué craft, Pipili is witnessing intense activity, with workshops and homes turning into production centres where artisans spend long hours stitching intricate designs by hand.

More than 250 artisan families are engaged in the annual assignment, with every member—from children learning the craft to elderly artisans—contributing to complete the work before the festival begins.

A Tradition Rooted in Devotion

For the artisans, preparing the Chanduas is not merely a source of livelihood but an act of devotion to Lord Jagannath.

Working nearly 10 to 12 hours a day, they carefully cut colourful fabrics, stitch traditional motifs and embellish the canopies with decorative mirrors and intricate appliqué patterns before giving them their final finish.

The canopies feature religious symbols such as the Shankha (conch), Chakra (disc), Gada (mace) and motifs inspired by nature, including banana trees and traditional floral patterns.

“We prepare each design separately before stitching them together into the Chandua. It is a blessing to create these canopies for Lord Jagannath. For us, this is seva, not just work,” said artisan Sushmita Ojha.

Distinct Colours for Each Chariot

Each of the three chariots carries its own traditional colour combination, reflecting centuries-old customs followed during the Rath Yatra.

The Chandua for Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, is crafted in red and yellow, while Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, is adorned with red and green. Darpadalana, the chariot of Devi Subhadra, features a distinctive red and black canopy.

Artisan Bishnupriya Panda said the annual assignment often requires extended working hours because of its spiritual significance.

“Rath Yatra comes only once a year, so we work beyond regular hours to complete the Chanduas. Apart from Puri, our creations are also sent to other Jagannath temples across India and even overseas,” she said.

A Legacy Dating Back Eight Centuries

The tradition of crafting Chanduas for the Jagannath Temple is believed to date back to the 12th century, during the reign of Ganga dynasty king Anangabhima Deva. Every year, artisans begin work nearly three months before Rath Yatra to ensure the handcrafted canopies are ready in time for the deities’ ceremonial journey from the Ratna Singhasan of the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

Today, Pipili’s iconic appliqué craft continues to preserve this rich cultural heritage, with its vibrant creations finding admirers not only in Odisha but also across the country and abroad, carrying the artistic and spiritual legacy of Lord Jagannath far beyond the state’s borders.