Rathyatra, the grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, holds immense cultural and spiritual importance in Indian households. While the main event is celebrated with towering chariots in Puri and other regions, many families observe a mini version of this festival at home—especially for children. Building and decorating a small rath for your child not only brings festive joy but also connects them with traditional values through hands-on creativity.
Designing a rath that is colorful, symbolic, and child-safe allows kids to understand the essence of the festival while enjoying craft activities. Whether you’re making a paper-based rath or using a wooden base, thoughtful decoration turns it into a centerpiece for the celebration. In this article, discover five imaginative and practical ways to decorate your children’s rath for Rathyatra—each focused on color, symbolism, eco-consciousness, and visual charm.
1. Use Bright Colored Paper to Wrap the Rath Base for Visual Appeal
When preparing your children’s rath for Rathyatra, begin by covering the base with bright, festive-colored paper like red, yellow, or royal blue. Choose glossy or handmade paper for a rich texture. Cut the paper neatly and secure it using double-sided tape or child-safe glue. This instantly gives a clean and festive appearance to the base. To enhance the look, add golden lace or borders around the paper edges. Avoid dull or dark shades that don’t reflect the joyful mood of Rathyatra. Children respond well to bold and happy colors, making their rath more exciting for them to participate in pulling or displaying.
2. Add Paper or Foam Sheet Canopy to Mimic Traditional Rath Design
A key feature of every Rathyatra chariot is the dome-shaped canopy. Recreate this on your children’s rath using colorful paper cones, cardboard, or foam sheets. Use lightweight sticks or paper straws to hold the canopy up. Brighten the canopy using glitter foam cut-outs, stars, or symbols like “Om” or the “chakra.” This not only imitates the traditional rath of Lord Jagannath but also adds dimension and height to the children’s version. Make sure all materials are light and stable to prevent tipping over during the yatra.
3. Decorate With Marigold Garland and Eco-Friendly Flowers
Natural elements enhance the devotional feel of the rath. String together marigolds or make paper flower garlands in orange, yellow, and white tones. Hang these around the canopy and base. If real flowers aren’t available, use tissue paper to make DIY flowers with your children as part of the fun. Eco-friendly options are safer, biodegradable, and teach children sustainability. Avoid plastic flowers that may release odor in heat or break easily during movement.
4. Use Miniature Idols and Sacred Symbols for Spiritual Vibe
Include small idols or printed images of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra in the center of the rath. These can be placed on a velvet cloth inside the rath to maintain cleanliness and highlight the idols. Add sacred symbols like “Swastik,” “Trishul,” or “Kalash” stickers on the outer sides of the rath. Children learn religious values through such small touches. Make sure to secure the idols properly so they remain stable during the procession or display.
5. Add LED Fairy Lights or Beads for a Glowing Festival Look
Light is an essential part of any celebration, and mini battery-operated LED fairy lights can transform your children’s rath into a glowing attraction. Wrap the lights around the canopy or edges, and make sure the battery case is well hidden but accessible. If lights are not an option, use reflective beads, mirror stickers, or sequins to create a sparkling effect. These catch natural light and make the rath shimmer during the day procession. Always ensure wires or decorations are safely taped and not dangling, to prevent tripping or entanglement.
Decorating your children’s rath for Rathyatra can be both devotional and educational. These 5 detailed decoration ideas allow your kids to participate actively in the festival, understand cultural symbols, and enjoy creative activities. Whether it’s using eco-friendly flowers, making paper canopies, or lighting up the rath, each idea blends tradition with imagination. The end result is a vibrant, safe, and meaningful mini chariot that brings home the joy of Rathyatra.