Supreme Court's ruling on Rath Yatra: Artisans shed tears

Supreme Court's decision to stay Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, one of most popular festivals of Hindus, this year in view of COVID-19 pandemic has left multitude of artisans connected to construction of grand chariots in tears. makers of gigantic chariots, which is pulled by lakhs of devotees, include a number of biswakarmas (carpenters), blacksmiths, roopakaras (painters), darzis (tailors) and 'Bhoi' servitors who supply logs to carpenters who have been connected to it for generations.

nine-day Rath Yatra festival in this seaside pilgrim town will begin on June 23 and Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee and servitors of 12th- century shrine have urged Odisha government to file a fresh application in Supreme Court, seeking modification of its order.

Rath Yatra has continued uninterrupted since 1736. It could t take place 32 times between 1558 and 1735. "I was shocked to hear news about Supreme Court's order. I came to kw it when giving final touches to chariot," said Bijay Kumar Mahapatra, chief carpenter of 'Nandighosh', Lord Jagannath's chariot. "Never before I have seen such a situation when chariots will t be used even after being completed. I have been engd in chariot making since childhood. My far and grandfar also me chariots for deities," said 65- year-old Narasingha Mahapatra, chief carpenter of Lord Balabhra's chariot 'Talhwaja'.

With tears rolling down his cheeks, Narasingha Mahapatra asked, "What was point in putting us through corona tests and keeping us in isolation if chariots will t roll on Ba Danda (Grand Ro in front of shrine)? I cant tolerate such a situation." Most of those who were engd in construction of chariots of deity and his two siblings said that y work t for money, but out of love, affection and above all respect for Lord Jagannath.

"body, including us, can construct such beautiful chariots anywhere or than at Ratha Khala (temple workshop). It is all Lord's wishes for which attractive chariots can be built by people who have institutional education," he said. carpenters said that technique of chariot making was passed on by generations and t through any formal education.

Every year three chariots are me of wood brought from Daspalla forest in Nayagarh district. government has also exclusive 'Jagannath Bana Prakalpa', a massive plantation project which provides logs for purpose. 'Nandighosh', chariot of Lord Jagannath, is tallest at 45 feet with 16 wheels, while Lord Balabhra's 'Talhwaja' is 44 feet high with 14 wheels. ir sister Devi Subhra's chariot 'Darpalana' is 43 feet high and has 2 wheels.

About 45 days are required for construction of chariots starting from Akshaya Tritiya. "This year, we were allowed to work from May 8 inste of April 26, date of Akshaya Tritiya, due to lockdown. state government opened up Ratha Khala after getting permission from Ministry of Home Affairs. We worked very hard and completed construction of Rathas before time," said Bijay Kumar Mahapatra. chariots are decorated with flowers, birds, arches, idols and horses all me of wood. carpenters were busy giving ir final touches on Saturday even after kwing that apex court's order.

"We are hopeful that court will change its decision," he said. chariots are as a practice dismantled after festival and wood is used in temple kitchen. "We will t allow it this year. chariots shouldbe allowed to stand as y are for devotees to pay ir respect," said Rabi Maharana, a young carpenter. He cursed his fate for spending 40 days in isolation without going home hering to government guidelines so that he could build chariots. Maharana was among more than 150 carpenters who were lodged at Jatri Niwas here for constructing chariots in temple workshop.

A plea was filed in Supreme Court on Friday, seeking recall of its order on Puri Rath Yatra. A bench heed by Chief Justice S A Bobde h Thursday said that in interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year's Rath Yatra in Odisha pilgrim town cant be allowed and "Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" it.