Khordha: With a few hours left for the world-famous Rath Yatra, preparations for the annual festival have entered their final phase. Amid the bustle surrounding the construction and decoration of the three majestic chariots in Puri, a family from Khordha continues a quiet tradition of devotion that has endured for more than two decades.
For the past 22 years, the family of Rajkishore and Birakishore of Bhoi Sahi in Gurujang of Khordha district has been crafting and supplying intricate Sola phula—ornamental flowers carved from the pith of the Aeschynomene aspera plant—to decorate the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
Every year, from the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, when chariot construction begins, the family’s daily routine revolves around preparing the handcrafted floral decorations. From children to elders, every member contributes with unwavering dedication, transforming the lightweight shola into lifelike flowers resembling chrysanthemum, kadamba and sunflower blooms.
Their workshop is now filled with neatly arranged piles of handcrafted flowers that appear almost freshly picked from a garden. The family eagerly awaits Netrotsav, when, after obtaining permission from the Shree Jagannath Temple administration, they will personally decorate the three chariots with their creations.
The family’s association with the sacred service dates back to 2004 when they sought permission from the temple administration to decorate the chariots using flowers made by their own hands. Since receiving approval, they have continued the service uninterrupted every year, considering it a privilege rather than a responsibility.
Preparing the flowers is a painstaking process. The artisans procure shola from areas including Nimapada, Kakatpur, Gop and Kanas in Puri district. After drying the material, they carefully cut, shape and carve it into delicate floral designs. The flowers are further enhanced using traditional decorative elements such as chumuki and meena, without the use of chemical colours, preserving both the natural beauty of the craft and its traditional character.
The work is carried out with deep reverence. Family members wear new clothes and observe rituals of purity while making the flowers, treating the craft as an offering to the deities rather than a commercial activity.
For the Bhoi family, the greatest reward is the opportunity to serve Lord Jagannath. They undertake the work without seeking any remuneration, drawing immense satisfaction from knowing that their handcrafted flowers become part of one of the world’s largest and most revered religious festivals.
As devotees from across the globe prepare to witness the annual Rath Yatra, the family’s enduring commitment stands as a reminder that behind the grandeur of the festival lies the silent devotion of countless artisans whose craftsmanship and faith help preserve Odisha’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
