Puri; The ropes to pull the Chariots during Rath Yatra in Puri of Odisha are considered sacred. This is because these ropes become instrumental to make the three huge chariots reach to their destination, the Gundicha temple. And we know that Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra make their annual sojourn while aboard on these chariots. Devotees pull the three chariots on the Grand road of Puri.
Many people have seen that the ropes are tied to the chariots and pulled by devotees. Yet, many might not have known about where such huge ropes are made, how these are made and who make these ropes. This article dwells upon these informations.
While only a few days left to Rath Yatra 2023, everybody involved in this world famous Yatra are busy these days in preparation for the car festival. Every one of them are trying to do their best. It is due to devotion and passion of doing something for Lord Jagannath. And hence, the people who make rope for the chariots are also happy that they are blessed to get this opportunity to make the rope for the Lord.
The devotees get a feel of touching the God by holding the rope of the chariots. Even some people take away a small piece of it and keep it with them as they consider it as the blessings of God. The God’s chariot’s rope for devotees is that important.
The ropes used in chariots of Puri during Rath Yatra are made in the Birapratapur village of Puri district. Earlier, these ropes were coming from Kerala. However, since last many years the ropes are being made at the factory of the Odisha Cooperative Coir Corporation Ltd in Birapratapur near Chandanpur.
Each of these ropes is 220 feet long and its diameter is 8 inch. About 115 kg jute string is required to prepare it. Besides, 30 liter mobil and 15 liter kerosene oil is also required. As many as fifteen skilled laborers take 2 days to make one such rope.
This year, 14 ropes are required for pulling of the chariots while 12 ropes are required for the cordon. Reportedly, the ropes used to pull Chariots at some other places of Odisha are also made here.
Both Men and women are engaged to make these ropes. They wear new or clean clothes and consume Habisyanna while making these ropes. The local servitors also help in the rope making. They spend day and night for making of these sacred ropes.
Ms Kalinga