Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu has approved the installation of the sacred wheels from the three Rath Yatra chariots at Rashtrapati Bhavan, adding another prominent symbol of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage to the Presidential Estate.
The proposal was announced by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, who said one wheel each from Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra) and Darpadalana (Goddess Subhadra) will be permanently displayed at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The installation will complement the replicas of the iconic stone wheels of the Konark Sun Temple, which already form a distinctive architectural feature of the Presidential Estate, further showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural legacy.
Every year, the three towering wooden chariots used during the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra are meticulously handcrafted using more than 800 pieces of timber by traditional Vishwakarma Maharana artisans. The chariots carry the sibling deities along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) in Puri during the annual festival before being ceremonially dismantled after the celebrations, in keeping with centuries-old traditions.
The decision is expected to strengthen the national recognition of Odisha’s cultural heritage and highlight the enduring significance of the Rath Yatra, one of India’s most celebrated religious festivals.
-OdishaAge
