The Ratha: A Pull of Faith

This research project seeks to comprehend the various stages in the ratha making process and the practice of rathotsavams or chariot processions. It explores the relationship between the ratha and its makers delving into the multiple traditions and procedures of a ratha’s construction and the impact of technological and socio-economic influences upon these processes. It also focuses on sevas, paid processions conducted in certain kinds of temple and the process of storage and maintainence of the rathas.