Construction of Kendrapada's chariot for Rath Yatra underway
Kendrapada: The construction of a massive 65-ft-long chariot with 14 wheels is in full swing at the historic Baladevjew temple in Ichapur, Kendrapada for the upcoming annual Rath Yatra on June 27.
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The 300-year-old temple, located in what is known as 'Tulasi Khetra', is dedicated to Lord Baladev, elder brother of Lord Jagannath.
"We procured 760 cubic feet of sal wood from Telkoi forest department in Keonjhar district for constructing the state's second-biggest wooden chariot," said Balabhadra Patri, executive officer of Baladevjew temple. The construction began on May 23, delayed due to late wood procurement from the forest department.
Of the 14 wheels of the chariot 'Bramahataladhawaja', only four new wheels are being built while 10 are being repaired, owing to wood quality constraints. About 25 carpenters are working to complete the chariot before the festival.
Poll
What aspect of the Rath Yatra excites you the most?
The chariot procession The rituals and prayers
The temple faced challenges during last year's Rath Yatra when three wheels were damaged, causing the chariot to bend during the procession. "This year, we're taking extra precautions to ensure proper repair of old wheels by expert carpenters," Patri added.
Priest Niranjan Dash expressed concerns about the use of cast-off timber in construction, similar to last year when the chariot took four days to cover the 2-km journey to Mausima temple.
The art of chariot-making here is a hereditary craft. Saroj Moharana, 54, a third-generation carpenter with three decades of experience, learned the trade from his father and grandfather. "As Rath Yatra approaches, chariot makers enter their busiest season," he said.
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According to Pradeep Moharana, 56, another local carpenter, the number of families practising this art has declined from 40 to around 20 over four decades.
Historical records show that the present Baladevjew temple was built in 1761 by Raja Gopal Sandha of Kujang during the Maratha rule.
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Construction of Kendrapada's chariot for Rath Yatra underway
Kendrapada: The construction of a massive 65-ft-long chariot with 14 wheels is in full swing at the historic Baladevjew temple in Ichapur, Kendrapada for the upcoming annual Rath Yatra on June 27. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 300-year-old temple, located in what is known as 'Tulasi Khetra', is dedicated to Lord Baladev, elder brother of Lord Jagannath. "We procured 760 cubic feet of sal wood from Telkoi forest department in Keonjhar district for constructing the state's second-biggest wooden chariot," said Balabhadra Patri, executive officer of Baladevjew temple. The construction began on May 23, delayed due to late wood procurement from the forest department. Of the 14 wheels of the chariot 'Bramahataladhawaja', only four new wheels are being built while 10 are being repaired, owing to wood quality constraints. About 25 carpenters are working to complete the chariot before the festival. Poll What aspect of the Rath Yatra excites you the most? The chariot procession The rituals and prayers The temple faced challenges during last year's Rath Yatra when three wheels were damaged, causing the chariot to bend during the procession. "This year, we're taking extra precautions to ensure proper repair of old wheels by expert carpenters," Patri added. Priest Niranjan Dash expressed concerns about the use of cast-off timber in construction, similar to last year when the chariot took four days to cover the 2-km journey to Mausima temple. The art of chariot-making here is a hereditary craft. Saroj Moharana, 54, a third-generation carpenter with three decades of experience, learned the trade from his father and grandfather. "As Rath Yatra approaches, chariot makers enter their busiest season," he said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to Pradeep Moharana, 56, another local carpenter, the number of families practising this art has declined from 40 to around 20 over four decades. Historical records show that the present Baladevjew temple was built in 1761 by Raja Gopal Sandha of Kujang during the Maratha rule.
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