Rath makers hard labour bears fruit

BHUBANESWAR: The construction of the three chariots is over. So is the effort put in by hundreds of people, involved in making them. Like lakhs of devotees, people, who have fashioned the Raths, are eagerly waiting for the Lord to appear.
"It is a massive event. I have been involved in making of chariots every year during the Rath Yatra, but this year is different," said a worker who gave shape to Taladhwaj, Balabhadra's chariot.The chariots are constructed conforming to Rath Sanhita (chariot code).
On Saraswati Puja, wood meant for the construction of chariots is brought to Ratha Khala (Rath construction yard) in front of the Jagannath Temple office. Once the Rath construction is over, the parswa debata (deities installed on sides), dwarapala (watchmen), ghoda (horse), sarathi (charioteer) and sua (parrot) are built newly for Nabakalebara.
"The arrangements are more elaborate this year. The chariots have got a better finishing compared to the 1996 Nabakalebara," said Rajendra Kumar Mohapatra, 45, construction in-charge of Jagannath's Rath, Nandighosh. "All idols will wear more jewellery. It will be a dream come true to see them in their new avatar," Purna Chandra Mohapatra, who oversaw construction of the Darpadalan Rath for Subhadra, said.