Bhubaneswar: Work on the three iconic chariots for the ensuing annual Rath Yatra in Puri was disrupted for nearly four hours on Wednesday morning after carpenters staged a protest against the Jagannath Temple administration over a dispute regarding leftover timber. The temple authorities said the matter was resolved amicably and construction resumed.
Halting the work around 9 am, the artisans alleged that a temple official, appointed as caretaker of the Ratha Khala — the designated worksite where construction has been underway since April 20 — restricted them from taking home small timber scraps, which they claim are their rightful share under the temple’s record of rights.
“We are entitled to the unused remains less than four feet long. But the caretaker stopped us and has been interfering unnecessarily in our work,” said protesting carpenter Nrusingha Mahapatra.
Chief carpenter of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Bijay Mahapatra, said such arbitrary decisions are illogical and unacceptable. “Since 2005, we have been taking the small timber pieces. But the caretaker misbehaved with us and barred us from staking claim. We demand his immediate removal for disturbing our work,” he said.
Temple administrator (rituals) Priyaranjan Prusty said the allegation against the caretaker is being investigated. The chief administrator will take a decision, Prusty added.
The shrine authorities explained that, due to the scarcity of wood, a 2005 decision mandated that carpenters sell leftover timber over four feet to the temple administration for reuse in subsequent Rath Yatras. Smaller pieces could either be taken home or sold to the temple.
“It was often seen that carpenters were not selling the larger pieces. A notice was issued on June 13 to ensure compliance. Some of them expressed their resentment about the notice. After discussion, they assured us of cooperation,” another temple official said.
While Rath Yatra is scheduled for July 16, work on the massive chariots began on Akshaya Tritiya on April 20, with nearly 200 artisans engaged. Around 865 logs of Phasi, Dhaura and Asana are being used to build Lord Jagannath’s 45.6‑ft-high Nandighosh chariot, Lord Balabhadra’s 45‑ft Taladhwaja and Goddess Subhadra’s 44.6‑ft Darpadalana chariot.
Temple sources said Phasi timber, each piece over 40 feet long, is being used for the 21 axles of the three chariots. Nandighosh will have eight axles with 16 wheels, Taladhwaja seven axles with 14 wheels and Darpadalana six axles with 12 wheels.
