Puri: The ratha khala (chariot construction yard on Grand Road) is feverish with activity for the ‘Chaka-Akha Dera Anukula ‘ on the auspicious occasion of Bhaunri Jatra.
Out of the 14 chakas (wheels) of the Taladhwaja Ratha-Lord Balabhadra’s chariot construction of two central wheels ‘Nahaka Chaka’ have been completed.
Similarly, out of the 12 chakas (wheels) of the Darpadalana Ratha-Devi Subhadra’s chariot construction of four central wheels ‘Nahaka Chaka’ has been completed.
Besides, four central wheels ‘Nahaka Chaka’ out of the 16 chakas (wheels) of the Nandighosha Ratha-chariot of Lord Jagannath have been completed.
Further, Rupakar sevayats are busy carving sculptures to be used for the decoration of the three chariots.
Bhaunri Jatra is an important day in the construction of chariots for Ratha Yatra when the fixing of the axles and wheels is completed. The installation of this part will help build the other portions of the chariots.
As per tradition, the Chaka-Akha Dera ritual which means the fixing of two wheels and an axle of each chariot of Lord Balabhadra, Jagannath, and Devi Subhadra is conducted on the occasion of Bhaunri Jatra, the last day of the Bahara Chandan Jatra of the deities.
