Puri, June 4: Despite the scorching heat, preparations for the grand Rath Yatra festival are progressing swiftly. The construction of the chariots for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra has reached a crucial milestone, with the wheels and axles now fully assembled.

A total of 42 wheels and 21 axles have been completed across the three chariots: Tala Dhwaja (14 wheels, 7 axles), Deba Dalan (12 wheels, 6 axles), and Nandi Ghosha (16 wheels, 8 axles). Up next, the axles will be reinforced, the wheels will be secured, and the ceremonial rituals will commence.

Meanwhile, other key construction activities, including flagpole installations and throne placements, are also nearing completion.

With the Rath Yatra just around the corner, the administration faces a race against time to ensure smooth arrangements. This year, special emphasis has been placed on streamlining the ceremonial ‘Pahandi’ procession after last year's disruptions.

A designated group of servitors will participate in the ritual, with specific numbers allocated from different priestly services.

As the iconic festival draws closer, efforts are being ramped up to ensure seamless execution for devotees.