Puri Ratha Jatra: Chaka Dera Anukula performed on Bhaunri festival

Puri:  Keeping with  the tradition, the initiation ceremony for fixing of wheels to chariot axles for the ensuing Ratha Jatra was performed on Bada Danda here with ‘Chaka Dera Anukula’ ritual on the occasion  of Bhaunri festival  today.

The ritual was held after arrival of Agyan Malas (garlands of consent from Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings) at the Ratha Khala from Srimandir by three Puja Pandas (priests).

Before the arrival of the garlands, Bhoi Sardar servitors had readied six wheels of the three chariots-Nandighosha, Taladhwaja and Darpadalan- for the ritual. All servitors of the centuries-old temple (Maharana, Biswakarma, Mukhya Biswakarma and Bhoi Sardar)  waited eagerly at the Ratha Khala to have darshan of the three Agyan Malas.

The ritual was completed after Biswakarma servitors fixed two sets wheels to axles of the three chariots.

Worth mentioning, over 200 servitors are engaged in the chariot construction. Their thermal screening are being conducted by health officials  at the Ratha Khala everyday. However, uncertainties continue to loom over holding of grand festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the Centre gave green signal for construction of chariots, it has  made it clear that the decision of holding of the annual car festival will be taken by the state Government keeping in mind the prevailing COVID-19 situation.