Chariot climbing: SJTA bridle on Ghantua servitors

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Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to regulate the entry of Ghantua servitors, who beat cymbals on the chariots during the Rath Yatra.
It is learnt that the temple administration has devised a ratio of 2:1 for Ghantua servitors and chariot wheels – for each chariot wheel there would be two Ghantua servitors. “The number of Ghantua servitors for the three chariots will be finalised in accordance with their number of wheels respectively,” said SJTA administrator (Niti) Pradip Das.
According to the new guidelines, only 84 Ghantua servitors will be allowed to climb the three chariots having 42 wheels in total.
Sources claimed that overcrowding of Ghantua servitors on chariots affects smooth conduct of Rath Yatra.
“The number of Ghantua servitors’ families has increased manifold over the years. We have asked them to select only 84 of their community members for providing service during Rath Yatra. They have been told to send the names and photos of the chosen servitors to us in advance,” said an official of the SJTA.