Like last year, heat-reflective paint would be applied all along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) of Puri during the Rath Yatra so that pullers of chariots would get a respite from heat, said ShreeJagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Dr Krishan Kumar.
After reviewing progress of chariots constructions on Wednesdayahead of Rath Yatra, Kumar said procedures of white painting along Bada Danda which is heat reflective would be followed to give a relief to persons from excess heat during car pulling. But a final decision in this regard would be taken only after a meeting of Chhatisa Nijog in coming days, he said. Dr Kumar said decisions regarding the rites and rituals with all other Neetis of Lords during festival would also be discussed and finalised. Notably, the 2.5-km Bada Danda reflects excess heat due to a burning sun during pulling of chariots.
Most people engaged in chariot pulling usually get burn injuries in feet and even lose consciousness due to extreme wave. For first time last year, Bada Danda was painted with a chemical for preventing excess heat menace, which is going to be applied this year also.