Bhubaneswar: As Rath Yatra is underway in Puri, noted miniature artist L. Eswar Rao of Jatni has drawn attention with his eco-friendly miniature chariots, just five inches tall, crafted entirely by hand.
Using delicate areca palm leaves, also called supari leaves, Rao spent seven days shaping the tiny replicas. Each chariot carries intricately carved idols of the Holy Trinity made from neem wood, with Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra measuring less than an inch in height.
The miniature work highlights sustainable art and devotion. Areca palm leaves for the structure of the chariots, while neem wood, traditionally associated with the deities, was used for the idols.
Rao said the effort was to show that devotion is not about size. “I crafted these three chariots using areca palm leaves; they stand five inches tall. I have carved the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, each just one inch tall, out of Neem wood. It took me a total of seven days to complete these three chariots,” he said.
“Through this art form, I wish everyone a very special Rath Yatra. I also pray to Lord Jagannath that His blessings remain with us always and that everyone stays healthy and peaceful.”
The craftsmanship reflects an enduring truth of the Jagannath tradition — that devotion is measured not in scale, but in sincerity.
The nine-day Rath Yatra will be followed by Hera Panchami on July 20, Bahuda Yatra on July 24, Suna Besha on July 25, and will conclude with Niladri Bije on July 27, when the deities ceremonially return to the sanctum of Shree Jagannath Temple.
