By Our Correspondent
PURI:Today, on the 72nd day of the chariot construction, the chariot builders arrived at the chariot yard at 8:00 am and began the construction work after receiving the guidance of the Chief Maharana.
*Chariot construction progress*
(As of yesterday, the work of constructing two 30-foot new wooden bridges, one on each side, and the construction of the three-wheeled bridge, along with the construction of the three-wheeled bridge, had reached its final stage.)
*The connection of the Rishi Patta to the Trinirath is complete*
Today, the connection of eight Rishi plates has been completed in three chariots. The eight plates supporting the Rishi plates have been connected by tying nails in the Nahaka.
*New throne wooden frame work completed*
The work of the new wooden steps made of sal wood for the descent from the throne and the ascent to the throne has been completed. The three charioteers have completed the work of the two 30/31-foot wooden steps that were being laid since yesterday.
*The form is carved in the three-time Prabhat*
Today, the sculptors have completed the work of carving the form in the morning. In addition, the painters have puttyed and polished the stained areas and handed over the carved form to the painters for painting.
*Painter*
Chief painter Sevak Deboraj Mohapatra and associate painter Sevak have completed the painting work on 81 side deities, all the swan plates, 6 bulls, 3 goti, 3 sakhis, 3 deities’ place frame or peak dome, 6 urns, 3 brass urns, 12 bells, 8 elephant plates and 8 magar plates, 3 sage plates, 3 tekera fences, etc., and have continued the painting work on the outer parts of the 3 chariots.
*Blacksmith’s axe*
At the temporary blacksmith shop in Dola Bedi, the blacksmiths have continued to make three bucket traps for the carts and six iron rings to attach to the three new brake pulleys.
*Three-phase construction work in progress*
Tomorrow, the door railing will be lifted three times. The Bhoi Sevaks will prepare bamboo trellises to lift the door railing and begin the work of lifting the door railing onto the chariot.
After the door frame of the third chariot is raised, the flag will be fitted on the Chandra Shali of the door frame. After the flag is fitted, before the chariot ends, eight Kani Faudas will be connected to the four corners of the chariot, and the elephant mala will be connected from the bottom of the potala to the door frame. After that, the kalas will be raised on the chariot and the ends will be placed on the chariot. The work of fitting the brass sheet on the Kanak Mundi will continue in parallel. In addition, the door frame (button fitting work from the 14th Nahaka to the nat legs) will be done to protect the nat legs. After the work of fitting the Prabha in the chariot, the third chariot will be ready for the approach to the Lion Gate.
The presence of the charioteer*
*Maharana Sevak of Tiniratha – 76
*Tiniratha’s servant – 76
*Karti Sevak of the Three Chariots – 4
*Servant in the form of a three-wheeled chariot – 21
*Servant of the Three Chariots Ojha Kamar – 20
*Tum Bindha Craftsman – 2
*Pahi Maharana – 40
*Rathakhala Assistant (Water Carrier) 1
Total – 242 people
