Puri (SunstarTV Bureau): For annual Rath Yatra in Puri is going on in full swing with the Maharana Sevayats carving out the Tumba (circular axles of wheels) of three chariots on the Ratha Khala.
The work of the chariots construction has began after a thermal screening and covid screening of the carpenters.
The Ratha Anukula rituals marking the beginning of construction of chariots were performed on auspicious Akshya Tritiya day on May 15 this year.
Similarly, famous Chandan Yatra of the trinity had also begun on the same day amid strict prohibitory orders imposed by the district administration.
The district administration has clamped section-144 in and around Narendra Puskarini for the evening cruise of the sibling deities daily. The prohibition will remain in force till completion of the festival. No devotees or local residents are allowed to take part in the yatra.
The carpenters engaged in the construction of chariots have been kept in isolation near the construction yard.
The SJTA had earlier announced to pay double wages to the traditional Maharananas since they are working in an adverse situation staying away from their families.
The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has tried to vaccinate all the servitors before the mega festival.
