Rath Yatra: Chariot construction work on in full swing in Puri

Puri: After initial problems due to cyclone Fani, the chariot construction work for the annual Rath Yatra of the sibling deities of Puri Srimandir is now being carried out on a full swing.

The pace of chariot construction at Ratha Khala has picked momentum following partial restoration of power supply to the pilgrim city which was battered by the cyclone Fani on May 3.

As power supply was disrupted post cyclone Fani, large logs could not be sliced as per requirement for the chariot construction. However, after the electricity supply was restored, the carpenters and other Rupakar servitors have begun work.

While nine ‘Tumba’ and ‘Bindha’ work for Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath has been completed, construction of six ‘Tumba’ of Taladhwaja, the chariot of Balabhadra and construction of five ‘Tumba’ of Debadalana chariot of Goddess Subhadra is almost over. Similarly, ‘Kanaguja’ work of the three chariots has begun from Nrusingha Chaturdashi.

“As normal power supply is yet to be restored, the chariot construction work was affected. However, the ‘Tumba’ (hub) was provided to us two days back and now the work is going on in full swing,” said chief carpenter of Nandighosa chariot, Bijaya Kumar Mohapatra.

“The ‘Guja anukula’ was held yesterday and rupakar servitors are providing all kind of assistance in the construction work,” said chief carpenter of the Taladhwaja chariot, Narasingha Mohapatra.

Meanwhile, Bhoi servitors are supplying logs of different sizes for the construction of wheels of all the three chariots.