The construction of chariots for the coming annual Rath Yatra here on July 10 is going on in full swing since it began on the recent Akshay Tritiya.
Hundreds of traditional carpenters, artisans and craftsmen are busy in this work at the Rath Khala on the Grand Road. As per the practice, the craftsmen first assemble the spokes, rims, axles, various gears and shafts of the six wheels of the three chariots for Shree Jagannath, Shree Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
At present, the carpenters are carving out various portions of the wheels that would be assembled on the occasion of Bhaunri on June 1. A total of 42 wheels are required for the three chariots that transport the deities on their annual journey to their aunt's place, the Gundicha Temple. Construction of pillars, door jambs and other parts of the upper portion of the chariots will begin after the wheels are ready.
The chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are known as Nandighosh, Taladhwaja and Darpadalan, respectively. Nandighosh is 45-feet high having 16 wheels.
Its roof is decorated with red and yellow fabrics and a wheel is placed on the top of it. Taladhwaja is 44-feet high consisting of 14 wheels and its roof is adorned with red and green colours and a fruit is placed on its top. The 43-feet Darpadalan has 12 wheels and red and black colours adorn its roof.