Puri, May 8: With just a few days left for the grand Bhaunri Festival, preparations at the chariot workshop are moving at full pace. The wheels and axles of the three chariots are nearly complete, with craftsmen awaiting the arrival of the remaining hubs to finish the assembly.

Oja assistants, responsible for priestly duties, are busy in the Dolabedi hall, shaping essential components such as Pandar keys and Bala rods. Pandars are being fitted along the sides of the axles, while Bala rods are attached to the outer edges of the wheels. Each piece is crafted with meticulous precision to ensure the wheels remain undamaged during the festival.

At the Rath Khala, a team of skilled artisans—including Vishwakarmas, carpenters, blacksmiths, and craftsmen—are constructing the chariots. On Thursday, Vishwakarmas began work on the side facades and the Niradi, the upper portion of the chariot. Currently, the focus remains on completing the chariot wheels. Blacksmiths are preparing the iron clamps and pins—16 per wheel—and transporting them to the Rath Khala for assembly.

Wheel construction has faced minor delays due to the late arrival of the pahi (wheel hubs). Presently, one wheel has four pahi fitted. Once the remaining hubs arrive, both the large and small wheels will be ready.

Wood for the pahi is being split and transported from Kolkata Khapuriastha to the Rath Khala. Carpenters are using machines to carve the hubs, while sculptors continue crafting intricate lion and feline motifs on the wooden panels. Oja assistants are consistently supplying the Pandars, keys, and Bala rods for the wheels.

According to Jitendra Mohanty, the temple public relations officer, 193 artisans were engaged in Rath construction yesterday, underscoring the massive scale of preparations for this historic festival.