Kendrapada: With the annual Rath Yatra on the horizon, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bhubaneswar has pinpointed structural issues in the wooden chariot of the renowned Baladevjew Temple, recommending several engineering solutions to guarantee its safe operation during the event scheduled for July 16.
This assessment comes after a thorough engineering evaluation of the 67-foot Brahma Taladhwaja chariot, which experienced wheel cracks during last year’s festival that led to an unsettling tilt. Concerned by this occurrence, the temple management sought the expertise of IIT-Bhubaneswar to bolster the chariot’s structural integrity and safety.
The institute has suggested enhancements to the braking system, including the use of sandbags, wooden stoppers, and dry sand during braking and turning. Additionally, it recommends reinforcing the connection between the chariot’s superstructure and base, precision machining of the wheel hubs and axles for improved load distribution, modifications to the rope anchorage system for better weight management, and upgrades to the wheel-axle lubrication system.
Besides the chariot itself, IIT-Bhubaneswar has advised the temple administration to enhance the two-kilometer Grand Road (Bada Danda) and to improve the drainage system along the route to ensure the safe transport of the sizable wooden structure.
Manas Ranjan Pattnayak, Assistant Professor at the School of Mechanical Sciences, IIT-Bhubaneswar, remarked that the Baladevjew chariot represents a significant aspect of Odisha’s living cultural heritage, showcasing centuries of indigenous timber construction knowledge, traditional craftsmanship, and structural engineering.
“The chariot is constructed annually by hereditary artisans and lacks comprehensive documentation using contemporary engineering methods. We have conducted an extensive engineering review and proposed immediate stabilization measures, a long-term conservation plan, and a consulting approach for digital documentation to secure its safe journey,” said Pattnayak.
Balabhadra Patri, the Executive Officer of the temple, stated that many of IIT-Bhubaneswar’s suggestions have already been adopted in preparation for this year’s Rath Yatra.
The Baladevjew Temple’s annual Rath Yatra is one of Odisha’s most significant chariot festivals, second only to Puri’s Jagannath Rath Yatra, attracting thousands of worshippers to Kendrapada each year. The initiatives led by IIT are anticipated to greatly improve the safety and preservation of this age-old tradition while maintaining its authentic design and construction methods.
