PHW Heritage enthusiasts explore traditional chariot-making style at “Rathakhala”

THE 11th Puri Heritage Walk (PHW) was successfully conducted in the presence of twenty heritage researchers who had joined from various locations across Odisha, yesterday, on the second Sunday of the month.

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The walk began from the sacred seat of “Marichi Thakurani”, located near the well-known Devi shrine “Marichikota”, one of the important Shakti temples in Srikhetra. It concluded near the Satyanarayan Temple and Ramji Matha.

During the walk, many senior chariot craftsmen participated and valuable discussions and interviews were held at the “Rathakhala” (ground where the chariots of the Trinity are made) and explained about the making and structure of chariots as per traditions. Details were shared about various parts of the chariot such as “Konagujha”, “Patagujha”, “Natagoda”, and “Prabhapata”.

Rajendra Kumar Mahapatra, a Rupakara Sevaka of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, shared insights about the sculptural work he performs for the Lord and explained how the structure of the chariot has evolved over time. He also described how the sculptors, adhering strictly to traditional rituals, meticulously craft each component of the chariot.