Puri: ‘Ratha chaka dera anukula,’ the initiation ceremony for fixing of wheels to the axles of the chariot was observed on the occasion of the Bhaunri festival at Bada Danda here after arrival of ‘Agyan Mala’.
As per tradition, the ritual of Lord Balabhadra’s chariot Taladhwaja was carried first, followed by the ritual of Nandighosa and Darpadalana chariot. Bhoi Sardar servitors had prepared six wheels of the three chariots-Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan for the ritual.
Following this, Biswakarma servitors fixed two sets of wheels to the axles of the three chariots.
More than 200 carpenters are engaged in the construction of three chariots for the annual Rath Yatra. Health personnel are also conducting a thermal screening of the carpenters every day in the Ratha Khala (construction yard) and have gathered their medical history. So far, all of them are in good health.
Though the Centre has given permission for the construction of chariots, the decision of holding of the annual car festival will be taken by the state government keeping in mind the prevailing COVID-19 situation.
Meanwhile, the total COVID-19 cases in Puri rose to 14 on Friday with 10 more testing positive for the virus.
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