Chariot Construction A Religious Activity, Clarifies Puri Gajapati Maharaja

Bhubaneswar: Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb on Tuesday said the chariot construction for Rath Yatra is not a religious festival or ceremony but a religious activity.

“Yesterday, I had said that the chariot construction is not a religious festival or ceremony. But unfortunately, some sections of media reported that this is not a religious activity,” the Puri king said in a clarification.

“I had said that since it is a construction activity, the Temple Managing Committee had sought the permission of the State Government to allow the works to start. As Puri comes under the green zone, the committee had requested the government to give the permission at the earliest so that the construction work will begin in accordance with the lockdown guidelines of the Centre and the State Government,” the Gajapati said.

The members of the Temple Managing Committee on Monday had unanimously decided to begin the construction of the three chariots after discussion with the Gajapati in video conferencing.