Puri, June 27: Preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri have entered the final phase, with skilled artisans working on new wooden brakes for the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to ensure their safe movement during the festival.

During the Rath Yatra, it often becomes difficult to stop the massive chariots once they gather momentum. Even after signals are given to halt the pulling of the chariots, devotees sometimes continue pulling due to the huge crowd and communication challenges. To bring the chariots to a safe stop, specially designed wooden brakes are placed against the wheels to slow and stop their movement.

This year, three new wooden brakes—one for each chariot—are being crafted using strong sal wood. Vishwakarma artisans are shaping the timber into flat wooden blocks, after which engineers will give them their final design to ensure they function effectively during the procession.

Work is also underway on several other components of the chariots. Sal wood is being cut to prepare the 'Mal', which will be placed beneath the Charamala (wooden staircase) used during the Pahandi procession when the deities are ceremonially brought out of the temple and placed on their respective chariots.

Artisans are also busy preparing the Kanakamundi, an important decorative structure of the chariots. The framework has been fitted with cloth, and finishing work is continuing.

Meanwhile, construction of the Bedi on the chariots is progressing steadily. Sculptors are carving the decorative Prabha, while Chitrakar servitors are painting the chariots and the wooden idols and decorative elements. Ojha servitors are also engaged in forging different types of iron nails and fittings required for the chariot construction at the Dolabedi workshop.

With just days left for the world-famous Rath Yatra, the traditional construction and decoration work is progressing at full pace under the supervision of temple servitors and skilled artisans.