Baripada: Chariot-making for the famous Baripada Rath Yatra is in full swing, but devotees and various quarters have raised apprehension about a possible mishap due to the use of old wood in the three chariots.
This Rath Yatra is famous because only women devotees are allowed to pull the chariot of Devi Subhadra. Rath Yatra will take place here for two days – July 15 and 16.
“The administration and the endowment department have been apprised of the matter, but no step has been taken as yet,” alleged Rath Mohapatra Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra, who is in charge of chariot-making, before media persons.
He said, “Only sal wood is used for making these three chariots, but no wood has been provided to the temple this year. Hence, old stock of wood is used in the chariots.”
At least 5,000 cubic ft of wood is required for the three chariots. “We have made six wheels and three spokes with the left-over wood of last year. Sixteen wheels are required for the chariot of Lord Jagannath; 14 for the chariot of Lord Balabhadra and 12 for the chariot of Devi Subhadra. Of total 42 wheels, 22 old wheels were replaced during the last Nabakalebara. This year, only two new wheels were used for each chariot,” Mohapatra added.
It is said that the administration has discharged its duty saying the old wheels will be useful, even though old wheels are unfit to run.
“During the Rath Yatra, lakhs of devotees will throng the town. As the road is not in good shape, old wheels may develop problem,” Mohapatra said. He also pointed out that Rath Mohapatra is supposed to be called for the selection of wood for chariots and he has to identify the wood fit for them.
Mohapatra demanded that the administration and the endowment department should pay attention to this matter as devotees are worried.
Additional district magistrate (ADM) Gangadhar Nayak, who is in the endowment department, said necessary steps have been taken to bring wood from Kaptipada and permission was granted. “The timbers will arrive soon and new wood will replace the old ones,” the ADM added.
