SJTA plans to preserve Lord Jagannath's chariots

Contrary to usual practice of dismantling three gigantic chariots after annual Rath Yatra, Shree Jagannath Temple ministration (SJTA) is contemplating to preserve m this year. chariots were used by Lord Balabdara, Devi Subhra and Lord Jagannath for annual 9-day sojourn to Shree Gundicha Temple from Sri Mandir, 12th-century main shrine.

A discussion in this regard was held with servitors and carpenters who constructed three wooden chariots within a record time during pandemic, said Chief ministrator of SJTA Krishan Kumar.

Sources said that SJTA is contemplating to preserve chariots as this year's Rath Yatra took place amidst COVID-19 pandemic and in absence of devotees. "We have set up a technical committee to guide ministration on how to preserve chariots and keep wooden structures safe from insects," he said.

Every year chariots are dismantled after Rath Yatra festival and wood is used in temple kitchen. But this year, SJTA is planning to conserve three chariots at museum being constructed at Jagannath Ballav, Lord's garden. SJTA chief ministrator said a directive has alrey been issued to shift chariots to premises of Jagannath Ballav.

Lord Jagannath's chariot called 'Nandighosh', is tallest one of 45-feet high 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 12 wheels.

SJTA h earlier decided to document this year's Rath Yatra in view of its massive arrangements me amidst pandemic and COVID-19 scare. For first time in living memory, Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and return journey was held in pilgrim town under curfew and in absence of devotees as per Supreme Court guidelines.

Rath Yatra was held on June 23 and return journey on July 1. chariots were pulled by servitors of Lord Jagannath Temple after clearing COVID-19 test. t more than 500 people were allowed to pull a single chariot while strictly hering to guidelines on maintaining social distancing. 

(Im credits: PTI)