Just months after Cyclone Fani devastated the beautiful city of Puri, it has sprung up again in full swing, getting ready for the much anticipated Puri Rath Yatra. This year, the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra will be celebrated on July 4.
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The construction of chariots had already begun on the occasion of ‘Akshaya Tritiya’ in April but once the cyclone hit, the preparations had been momentarily stalled. According to reports, traditional carpenters have started working on the chariots again, so that they’re ready by the festival.
Also, currently, the roopakaras (painters) are busy colouring the ‘Parsva Devatas’ (painted wooden images of different deities stuck to the chariots’ sides) and the sculptures of ‘Sarathis’ and ‘Olata Suas’. Around each chariot, nine ‘Parsva Devatas’ are stuck with four wooden horses attached in front.
The temple tailors have also been stitching colourful clothes to be draped around the chariots for the yatra.
Once the construction gets completed, the chariots will be taken to the temple for the consecration ceremony.
