Tripura Sets Strict Height Limits for Rath Yatra Chariots

Agartala: Tripura authorities are cracking down on chariot dimensions for this year's Rath Yatra. Officials now mandate that wooden chariots stay under five metres tall. This rule aims to stop a repeat of the June 28, 2023, disaster in Kumarghat where seven people died after a chariot hit a live wire.

West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar met with religious groups to finalize the plan. He said, "Organisers were instructed to build Lord Jagannath's chariot entirely of wood and ensure that its height does not exceed five metres." Volunteers will watch the crowds to stop devotees from climbing on the structures. Police, fire teams, and ambulances will monitor the procession sites.

One location secured a height waiver. Melaghar in the Sepahijala district will operate a seven-metre chariot. Sepahijala District Magistrate Siddharth S. Jaiswal confirmed the use of non-contactable materials for the build. A sub-divisional committee approved this exception because the route traverses open ground. Chief Minister Manik Saha plans to kick off the Melaghar event Wednesday evening. The main procession follows on Thursday.