Spectacular ‘Ulto Rath’ in Egra: Children’s Chariots Showcase Art and Culture

Alakesh Maity|Egra|East Medinipur|July 30 : The auspicious occasion of ‘Ulto Rath’ (the return journey of the chariots) arrived at the onset of the month of Shravan. On this day, the Patlaika Market—the largest and most renowned market in the Egra subdivision—came alive with the laughter, colors, and joy of children; even the threat of rain could not dampen their spirited hopes.

This unique festival has been held for eight consecutive years, and the scene in Egra has remained unchanged since its inception. Every year, on the occasion of Ulto Rath, this competitive festival is organized under the initiative of the ‘Golden Future’ club and managed by the Patlaika Market authorities. This marked the eighth year of the initiative. Driven by a spirit of art and culture, the event has transcended the boundaries of a mere competition to become a unique cultural festival within the Egra subdivision.

Seeing the smiling faces of adults as the little ones revel in the joy of colors and chariots is truly gratifying. This year, on the day of *Ulta Rath* (the return journey of the chariots)—a Friday—the Patlaika Market grounds were filled with colorful miniature chariots from early afternoon. Using whatever materials they could find—paper, wood, cardboard, cloth, or plastic—the children had decorated their chariots based on their own imaginative visions.

Some chariots featured idols of Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra; others displayed intricate floral and leafy designs; while some conveyed messages of environmental awareness. A total of 1,500 chariots were gathered at the venue. The entire area took on a festive atmosphere, alive with the excited chatter of children and chants of “Jai Jagannath.” The festival grounds were overflowing with a sea of ​​people. To ensure the competition ran smoothly, the participating children were divided into four groups—A, B, C, and D—based on their age and the type of chariot, giving everyone an equal opportunity to showcase their talent.

It was 6:00 PM when the main event officially began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp on the main stage. Many dignitaries from the subdivision were present. Special guests included:
Sub-divisional Police Officer Abu Nur Hossain; Egra Police Station IC Sushanta Chattopadhyay; Egra Municipality Chairman Swapan Kumar Nayak; and Ward No. 4 Councilor Debabrata Karan.

Also present were social workers Sukumar Khatua, Banbihari Patra, Sudam Pandit, Chandan Maity, Swapan Dutta, Biren Nayak, Prakash Kusum Das, Tarapada Pahari, Rabipada Maity, Saikat Sahu, Badal Sau, Arup Bera, Soumyadeep Sasmal, Sumit Jana, Narayan Chandra Bera, and others.

The distinguished guests encouraged the young artists. They say, “This chariot is not merely made of wood and paper; it is a chariot of dreams crafted by young artists.”

The dazzling, colorful chariot procession continues throughout the afternoon. The prize distribution ceremony follows at 8:30 PM. This year, in addition to the first, second, and third-place winners, special prizes were awarded to all participants. As the organizers put it, “No one has lost here; everyone who built and brought a chariot is a winner.”

The vision behind this event—organized by the ‘Golden Future’ club, a voluntary organization dedicated to art and culture—is clear. Haripada Panda, the club’s chief advisor, says, “We have been organizing this chariot competition collectively for eight years. Initially, there were two groups, but now there are four, and the number of main prizes has also increased. In today’s digital age, children are constantly glued to mobile phones and television; their imagination, manual skills, and artistic spirit are fading away. Through the process of building and competing with these chariots, we want them to work with their own hands, think, and create. Crafting a chariot is an integral part of our culture, and we hope this participation instills that spirit within them.”

Indeed, that is true. Building a chariot requires a child to think, design, paint, and tell a story. It is not merely a game; it is a hands-on lesson in aesthetic art.

The success of this eighth annual event is due to the tireless efforts of the club’s secretary, Nantu Jana, and president, Rajkumar Mishra. Chief advisor Haripada Panda anchored the day-long program.

‘Ulto Rath’ signifies Lord Jagannath’s return journey from His aunt’s house to His own abode—a story deeply ingrained in the minds of Bengalis since childhood. However, the current generation is drifting away from such stories and folk traditions. ‘Golden Future’s’ initiative helps bridge this gap. It is a remarkable effort to bring religion, culture, art, and joy—all together—to the children through the medium of the chariot.

Swapan Jana, a parent from Egra Purushottampur, says, “My son spent the entire week building the chariot.” “Not by watching YouTube, but by using their own minds. This kind of joy cannot be found on a mobile phone. Whether or not they secured a top position is not what matters; the fact that they expressed their own ideas through their creations—that is what is truly valuable to me.”

At the conclusion of the event, Club President Rajkumar Mishra announced that this tradition would continue in the future. “We want every child in the Egra subdivision area to participate in this chariot festival at least once a year. We hope for their bright futures and wish for them to grow up with a deep sense of cultural consciousness.”

Money and prizes are not the main thing; what truly matters is seeing 1,500 chariots gathered together in a small town—representing the collective imagination of 1,500 young minds. Amidst the clamor of the digital world, the seeds of art and culture sown today at Egra’s Patlaika Market will one day grow into a mighty tree—that is the hope of the local residents.