In the chariot construction, a total of 46 Maharana servitors, 16 labourers, four blacksmiths and two cutters are engaged. Similarly, the temple and district administrations have made elaborate arrangements for the festival.
After being enlisted as the servitor of the temple, Swastik, son of ‘Banakalagi’ servitor Rati Dutta Mohapatra, engaged himself in the Banakalagi service of the deities.
People have raised concern on the incident as it has a potential to create problem during pulling of chariots on the occasion of Rath Yatra on June 20.
The main focus of the drill was to ensure prompt shifting of devotees needing medical attention due to several reasons like sunstroke, asphyxiation, or in a stampede-like situation.
Rajkishore Nayak’s family has been decorating the three chariots during Rath Yatra with artificial flowers every year.
On Deba Snana Purnima day, which is believed to be the birthday of Lord Jagannath, the deities are taken out in a traditional procession called ‘Pahandi’ from the sanctum sanctorum to the Snana bedi or bathing altar, located in the northeast corner of the Bahara Bedha.
Like us, Lord Jagannath too brushes His teeth and retires for the day after dinner. Hence He too feels the sweltering heat during the summer. To get a respite from the rising mercury, He along with His brother Balabhadra, Bhudevi and Sridevi goes to Narendra Puskarini, a tank, to enjoy boat ride.
Hera Panchami ritual is observed on the fifth day of the car festival.
Pahandi is of two types-Dhadi Pahandi and Goti Pahandi.
The sibling deities of Puri fall sick after bathing with 108 pitchers of specially sanctified water on Devasnana Purnima day, which falls on the full-moon day of the Hindu month of the Jyestha.
As per tradition, the Holy Trinity falls sick after taking sahasradhara bath with 108 pitchers of water on Devasnana Purnima. They are then taken to a sick room called Anasara Ghara where they recuperate for a fortnight under the supervision of the royal physicians.
As devotees in large numbers are expected to throng Srimandir, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has made elaborate arrangements for the 'Nabajoubana Darshan' to ensure hassle-free darshan at the 12th century shrine.
With Odissi dance form having a strong connection with the Jagannath culture, the dance artistes are eagerly waiting to serve their artistic offering to the Lord of the Universe.
Patnaik also directed the concerned officials to make special arrangements in view of the prevailing heatwave condition in the state.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed all departments to take special measures for the smooth conduct of the festival and draw up plans for devotees in view of the heatwave conditions. Patnaik virtually attended the last Rath Yatra coordination meeting held today.
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