Khordha, Julyb 16:As Odisha gears up for the annual Rath Yatra, a 19-year-old youth from Khordha has won praise for crafting a 4-inch miniature chariot using paddy grains, showcasing his devotion to Lord Jagannath and remarkable artistic skill.

Shubhranshu Ranjan Sahu (Omm), son of Dipti Ranjan Sahu from Paltan Padia under Khordha Municipality, has created the intricately designed chariot using nearly 500 grams of paddy, along with cardboard, paint, adhesive and toothpicks. The model took three days to complete. Om claims it is the smallest paddy-grain Rath made in Khordha district, though the claim has not been independently verified.

This is not Om's first attempt at building Rath Yatra replicas. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when devotees were unable to witness the annual festival, he built an 8-foot wooden chariot and installed the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshan on it. He followed it up with a 6-foot wooden chariot in 2021, a 2-foot cardboard chariot in 2022, a 5-inch chariot made from waste paper in 2024, and three 2-inch paper chariots in 2025.

Om said he was inspired to continue making miniature chariots after missing the opportunity to witness Rath Yatra during the pandemic. "I was deeply saddened that I could not have darshan of the Lord on the chariot during COVID-19. Since then, I have been creating a new chariot every Rath Yatra as an offering of my devotion," he said.

Born in 2006 on the occasion of Suna Besha, Om believes his birth on the auspicious day strengthened his faith in Lord Jagannath. He attributes his creativity and dedication to the blessings of the deity.

The miniature paddy-grain chariot has attracted the attention of local residents, many of whom have visited to admire the intricate craftsmanship. Om said he considers himself "only an instrument," adding that the achievement was possible solely through the blessings of Lord Jagannath.