Chariot Servitors of Lord Jagannath Honored
Kakatpur, Date: 15/01 — At the Jagannath Temple premises in Anandabazar of Prachi Srikhetra under Kakatpur block, thirty chariot servitors who operate the brakes and pulley systems during the Shri Gundicha and Bahuda Yatras in Puri were honored by the temple administration. They were presented with certificates of appreciation and ceremonial gifts.
The event was conducted with rituals led by retired Headmaster Prafulla Kumar Sahu. The chief guest was Dr. Gopal Chandra Dash, retired Chief Medical Officer of the Railway Department, and the keynote speaker was Kamal Lochan Dixit, President of the Kakatpur Press Club. The special guest was Bichitrananda Nayak, Chief Coordinator of the brake and pulley control team. He elaborated on how, for over 30 years, the chariots were controlled with tireless dedication and unwavering devotion to Lord Jagannath, offering his services selflessly and without compensation.
The event began with honoring the guests by presenting them with Lord Jagannath’s sacred khandua patta (traditional cloth). Following this, the meeting formally commenced. The dignitaries praised the skill and commitment of these servitors who contribute immensely to the Rath Yatra.
Later, on behalf of the temple administration, thirty servitors were felicitated, including Bichitrananda Nayak (chief chariot coordinator), Ashutosh Nayak (deputy coordinator), Kailash Chandra Nayak, Rabindranath Swain, and Bhramarabar Behera.
The event was supported and organized with the help of Nrusingha Charan Behera, Shailanya Kumar Patra, Benudhar Parida, and Rajkishore Parida.
