Baripada, July 7 -- Preparations for the historic Baripada Rath Yatra, regarded as the second-largest chariot festival in Odisha after Puri, are in full swing as artisans work to complete the three grand chariots ahead of the annual celebration on the July 16.

Known as Dwitiya Srikhetra, Baripada is witnessing heightened activity as craftsmen and the district administration coordinate efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of the centuries-old festival.

Every year, lakhs of devotees from Odisha and neighbouring states visit the town to participate in pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

Construction of the three chariots began on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Around 70 per cent of the w...