The arrival of Rathayatra brought a festive spirit, with many stars traveling to Puri or Digha to offer prayers at Jagannath temples. For those with children, the day is often centered around family activities. Tollywood actress Srimayi Chatraj, who typically organizes home rituals with her husband, actor Kanchan Mallick, shared that this year she had to manage the preparations on her own due to Kanchan's busy shooting schedule.
In a media interview, Srimayi expressed a hint of sadness while discussing the change in plans. She noted that Kanchan has been working long hours, recently returning home at 1:30 AM, which limited his ability to assist with the household festivities as he usually does. While in previous years Kanchan would help manage their daughter, Krishvi, allowing Srimayi to focus on the ritual preparations, this year she had to take on all the responsibilities herself.
Srimayi shared that she had prepared a chariot, which she decorated for Krishvi. Due to heavy rainfall throughout the morning, they decided against taking their daughter outside, whereas in past years, Kanchan would have taken them to the neighborhood to let Krishvi pull the chariot and play her flute. Despite the change, Srimayi ensured the day remained special by dressing the deities—Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra—in new clothes, complete with turbans and their traditional jewelry.
Regarding the offerings, Srimayi explained that she could not prepare the traditional 'annabhog' (cooked rice offering) this time. Instead, she purchased items like Jibegaja, Khaja, and cream-based sweets, while also preparing 'malpua' and 'payesh' at home. She also maintained the tradition of eating 'papad bhaja' and jalebi. Reflecting on the day, she mentioned that although Krishvi was too young to understand the significance last year, she enjoyed pulling the chariot around the house this time, wearing new clothes and smiling at the sight of the deities.
