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Puri: The decision to conserve the three chariots used during last year's Puri Rath Yatra, which was held sans participation of devotees due to COVID-19 pandemic situation, was hailed as 'historic' as the festival had elicited strong emotions among the devotees worldwide.
However, the delay in reassembling of the gigantic chariots for showcasing before the public even after nearly a year has now sparked anger among devotees.
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri was conducted amidst extraordinary situation arising out of the outbreak of coronavirus. The Supreme Court of India permitted the chariots to roll on the Bada Danda in a historic decision.
The proposal to preserve the chariots after the Rath Yatra was adopted at the joint meeting of the temple managing committee and Chhatisa Nijog held on July 22, 2020.
As per the decision, the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were supposed to be placed at Jagannath Ballav mutt for public viewing. Such decision was taken keeping in view the sentiments of the devotees who could not take part in the Car Festival due to COVID restrictions in 2020.
"One year has passed and so far no step has been taken to preserve the chariots. If the State government had no intent then why it spent lakhs for lifting the chariots with the help of machinery," said Rajat Kumar Pratihari, a senior servitor.
Radheshyam, a devotee said, "It would have been appropriate if the proposal had materialised as the Rath Yatra was held under the extraordinary situation."
Though the process of preserving the wheels and other parts of the chariots had already begun, no step has been taken for reassembling the chariots.
Bijay Mohapatra, the chief carpenter of Nandighosa chariot said, "We were told that the all the three chariots will be dismantled and reassembled at Jagannath Ballav mutt. Though several months have passed, we have not got any orders from the administration yet."
Puri Srimandir's Development Administrator Ajay Jena said, "After the master plan of Jagannath Ballav mutt is done, steps will be taken for creation of a structure for preserving the chariots. We have kept the parts of the chariots preserved and we will reassemble it."
It is pertinent to mention here that the first batch of timber to be used for the construction of chariots of Lord Bhalabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra for this year's Puri Rath Yatra has already reached the pilgrim town.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
