June 26th 2024.
According to sources, it has been reported on Wednesday that during the preparations for the Rath Yatra, termites have caused damage to several figurines of subsidiary deities and charioteers that were being constructed by the Maharana servitors. These figurines, which were made of wood, were usually kept on the premises of Dolabedi. However, due to the ongoing Parikrama Prakalpa work, the authorities were unable to find a suitable place for their safekeeping. As a result, the termites found their way to the figurines and began feasting on them.
It is worth mentioning that these figurines of horses, charioteers, and subsidiary deities were crafted during the Nabakalebara of the deities. Every year, as part of the Rath Yatra festivities, the Bhoi servitors install these figurines onto the grand chariots and later remove them after the Niladri Bije rituals of the deities at the Srimandir. Along with the idols of the sibling deities, these figurines are also buried during the Nabakalebara.
The damages caused by the termites have raised concerns among the devotees and authorities alike. The Maharana servitors, who have been working tirelessly to construct the three majestic chariots for the Rath Yatra, are now faced with the task of repairing or replacing the damaged figurines. It is a race against time as the festival is just around the corner and the chariots need to be ready for the grand procession.
The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of the wooden figurines and the importance of proper care and maintenance. Hopefully, steps will be taken in the future to ensure the safekeeping of these important pieces of art and devotion.
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