Bhubaneswar: The initiation ceremony for fixing wheels to chariot axles for the upcoming Rath Yatra was held on Bada Danda to mark the Chaka Dera Anukula ritual on the occasion of the Bhaunri festival, on Wednesday.
The ritual was held following the arrival of ‘agyan mala’ (garlands of consent from Lord Jagannath and His siblings) at Ratha Khala by puja panda servitors.
Going by tradition, the ritual was carried out first for Lord Balabhadra’s chariot Taladhwaja. Later the Chaka Dera Anukula rituals were held for Nandighosa and Darpadalana chariot.
So far, Bhoi servitors have completed the construction of 16 wheels out of 42 wheels of the three chariots-Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan. Following the completion of the Chaka Dera ritual, ‘Akha Sanjogikaran Karyakram’ or fixing of all the 42 wheels of the three chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra with their respective axles will be carried out by ‘Maharana’ and ‘Bhoi’ servitors.
It is pertinent to mention that as many as 200 carpenters have been engaged in the construction of chariots.
Meanwhile, the Bhoi servitors have been asked to complete the construction of Chari Nahaka ahead of Suna Besha of Trinity.
