Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reviews preparations for Rath Yatra

Puri, June 15: Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Ahuja visited Puri on Sunday afternoon to review preparations ahead of the annual Rath Yatra. Upon his arrival at the Shri Jagannath Temple office, he was received by Chief Administrator Jitendra Kumar Sahoo, OSD Subhranshu Shekhar Padhi, and Public Relations Officer Jitendra Kumar Mohanty.

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As part of his visit, Ahuja first inspected the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) and observed the temple's intricate stone carvings. He held a detailed discussion with temple officials regarding the Anasara Niti—the period during which the deities remain in seclusion for recuperation following Snana Purnima. He stressed the importance of timely completion of associated rituals. Due to the ongoing Anasara period, Ahuja refrained from entering the temple premises. He was accompanied by his wife Arati Ahuja and other officials.

Later, the Chief Secretary visited Rathakhala, the site where the three grand chariots for the Rath Yatra are under construction. Officials informed him that around 70% of the construction work has been completed. Ahuja interacted with the chief Vishwakarmas (master carpenters) and Bhoi Sardars (supervisors) overseeing the project. The carpenters assured that the chariot construction would be completed well before the scheduled festival.

Despite intermittent rainfall, work at Rathakhala was in full swing. Ahuja advised workers to pause construction during heavy rain for safety reasons and recommended resuming work once weather conditions improved. Senior temple officials, security personnel, and construction supervisors were present during the inspection.