Bhubaneswar, 17 June (H.S.): With barely a month remaining for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, chariot construction work at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has come to a standstill following a dispute over the collection of leftover wood, locally known as Khei wood.

According to sources, the Vishwakarma Maharana servitors, who are traditionally engaged in the construction of the three grand chariots, suspended work in protest against newly imposed restrictions on the removal of surplus wood from the construction site.

Traditionally, the servitors were permitted to take rounded wooden pieces measuring up to four feet in length as Khei wood. However, under revised administrative guidelines, restrictions have been introduced regarding the collection and removal of the leftover timber.

Objecting to the new regulations, the Vishwakarma Maharanas halted the chariot-building process, raising concerns over potential delays in the preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra festival.

Temple authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Efforts are reportedly underway to resolve the dispute and resume the construction work at the earliest to ensure timely completion of the chariots ahead of the annual festival

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda