The Odisha government has directed engineers from the works department to carry out routine inspections of the ongoing construction of the wooden chariots for the July 16 Rath Yatra. The decision was taken after a review of Rath Yatra preparedness by chief secretary Anu Garg, who emphasized close monitoring of the construction process, particularly the wheels and axle assemblies, to detect and rectify any defects that could lead to accidents or hinder the pulling of the chariots.
Expert teams to visit Rath Khala
Teams of experts and engineers will make regular visits to the Rath Khala, the sacred workshop where construction has been underway since Akshaya Tritiya on April 20. Their role is to ensure that centuries-old craftsmanship is guided by systematic and technically sound practices, a senior government official said.
Artisans and materials
Nearly 200 artisans, including carpenters, Bhoi servitors, blacksmiths, woodcutters, tailors, and painters, are engaged in building the three colossal chariots. Around 865 giant wooden logs of different species are being used to construct Lord Jagannath's 45.6 ft-high Nandighosh, Lord Balabhadra's 45 ft-high Taladhwaja, and goddess Subhadra's 44.6 ft-high Darpadalana chariots. Temple sources revealed that Phasi timber, each piece over 40 feet long, is used for the 21 axles of the three chariots. Nandighosh has eight axles with 16 wheels, Taladhwaja seven axles with 14 wheels, and Darpadalana six axles with 12 wheels.
Past incidents highlight need for vigilance
Some past incidents underscore the importance of vigilance. In 2017, an axle of Devi Subhadra's chariot broke just days before the festival, forcing engineers to dig beneath the wheels to replace it. In 2022, a defective axle of Lord Jagannath's chariot was replaced shortly before the Yatra. In 2023, a wide crack was discovered in Devi Subhadra's chariot axle and repaired on a war footing.
Traditional methods persist
Despite modern advances, carpenters remain steadfast in their traditional methods, relying solely on handspans and simple sticks for measurement, rejecting modern tools and technology. By Lord Jagannath's grace, we have never failed so far. Even a slight deviation in the measurement of wheels or other parts could cause accidents or breakdowns, said Bijay Mahapatra, chief carpenter of Lord Jagannath's chariot.
Debate over permanent chariots
Over the years, proposals from environmentalists have suggested building permanent chariots to avoid felling hundreds of trees annually. However, servitors have strongly opposed the idea, citing it as a deviation from tradition. After the Rath Yatra concludes, the chariots are dismantled. Sacred decorative parts such as wheels, prabha, guja, and asuari are sold to devotees, while the remaining wood is used as fuel in the temple kitchen.
