Row intensifies over 72-ft height of Lord Baladevjew’s chariot in Keonjhar

A massive row has surfaced over the construction of famous 72 feet height of Lord Baladevjew’s chariot in Keonjhar which has been adjudged as tallest Ratha Yatra chariot by the Guinness Book of World Records.

In protest against the construction of the tallest chariot, Baladev Sena of Kendrapara has presented a protest memorandum to the chief administration of Puri Srimandir, Shankaracharya, Gajapati and the district Collector.

In their plea, the religious outfit has sought immediate action against the organisers of the Ratha Yatra in Keonjhar for violating tradition.

“This kind of competition in religious festivals is not acceptable at all. Srimandir Temple Administration (STA) should step in to launch an investigation into the incident and stern action should be taken against the erring organisers,” said a senior activist of Baladev Sena.

“There are certain rules and regulations in constructing chariots for Ratha Yatra. Any organisation shouldn’t construct chariots as per their own wish which is a clear violation of religious traditions,” said Niranjan Mekapa, senior servitor of Baladevjew Temple in Kendrapara.

Servitors of Srimandir in Puri have also opposed the move by Baladevjew Temple Administration in Keonjhar.

“Rath Yatra is a religious festival with spiritual significance. The yearly festival of Lord Jagannath is beyond any competition. Constructing the tallest chariot to be placed in the Guinness Book of World Records is like committing a sin,” said Ramachandra Dasmohapatra, senior Daitapati servitor of Puri Jagannath Temple.