Puri: The process of fixing axles to the wheels of all chariots for Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri has been completed ahead of the schedule.
The Chakadera Niti (fixing the axle to wheel) of the chariots of the sibling deities of Jagannath temple in the Pilgrim Town, was started on May 12. It was targeted to be completed before Sheetal Sasthi festival. But the work was completed on Saturday, well ahead of the scheduled date.
All 36 wooden wheels were joined by 18 axles and kept ready at the ‘Ratha Khala’ (temporary workshop for making chariots) on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) in the town.
As per the tradition, wheel-axle setting work was started first with the Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra. Subsequently, the axles were set to the chariot Nandighoash of Lord Jagannath and Debadalan of Devi Subhadra.
While Nandighosh chariot has 16 wheels, Taladhwaja and Darpadalan have 14 and 12 wheels respectively. Rath Yatra is scheduled to be held on June 21 this year.
Power supply during Rath Yatra
Meanwhile, Minister Pratap Keshari Dev at a preparatory meeting in Bhubaneswar on Rath Yatra in the state directed the officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the festival. If necessary, the power distribution companies would be provided more power during the peak hour of the day, he said.
Directing them to coordinate with the power grids in this regard, he advised them to carry out checking of transformers, loading and supply lines to the town. Since the festival is celebrated at different places across the state, the minister asked the discoms to remain alert and ensure smooth power supply.
