Puri: Dismantling work of the three chariots in Puri is underway. However, Maharana servitors (carpenters) Tuesday warned of noncooperation if their pending dues are not cleared by the temple administration.
According to established tradition, the servitors are given main entrances of the three chariots towards payment of their remuneration. Since entire chariots are to be preserved this year; the servitors have demanded payment in lieu of three entrances.
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Maharana servitors have warned of noncooperation if their demands are not met within next two days. They also submitted a memorandum to chief administrator of the temple for other dues outstanding against the temple administration.
Debadalana chariot of goddess Subhadra has only been almost dismantled so far. This stalemate has thrown the idea of preservation for a toss. It is said that things could get worse in the days ahead.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Puri had decided to preserve the three chariots of this year’s Rath Yatra, as a remembrance of its uniqueness. The festival was organised sans devotees in wake of COVID-19 outbreak.
Notably, as decided, the three chariots would be displayed at Sri Jagannath Ballabh mutt premises in the pilgrim city for devotees and tourists.
PNN