Dhanbad/Hazaribag: The Rath Yatra in Dhanbad and Hazaribag will blend tradition with technology, with Iskcon introducing specially designed hydraulic chariots capable of lowering their height to navigate overhead obstacles while ensuring the grandeur of the festival remains intact.In Dhanbad, Lord Jagannath, accompanied by Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, will travel on a nearly 40-ft-tall hydraulic chariot during the Rath Yatra organised by Iskcon. The procession will begin from Saraidhela Steel Gate and culminate at Golf Ground. Crafted by artisans from Puri, the chariot’s dome can automatically lower to around 15 ft when approaching tree branches, power lines or other obstructions.Iskcon Dhanbad president Namprem Das Prabhu said, “The hydraulic mechanism was introduced to overcome challenges faced in previous years and ensure a smooth procession.”The organisation will also launch a cleanliness campaign, with devotees symbolically sweeping roads ahead of the chariot and volunteers collecting plastic waste and litter generated during the event. “We aim to spread the message of cleanliness, environmental responsibility and civic awareness along with devotion,” he said.Hazaribag district will witness three major rath yatras, including the first organised by Iskcon, alongside traditional processions at Silwar Jagannath Dham and Chouparan.Iskcon Hazaribag functionary Keshav Das said the 40-ft hydraulic and electronically operated chariot was developed with the involvement of IIT-associated devotees and can reduce its height by up to 16 ft through remote operation. The idol of Lord Jagannath was brought from Puri, while the canopy is made of Japanese silk and the 150-ft manila rope sourced from Assam.Authorities and organisers expect several lakh devotees to participate across the two districts, with elaborate security, traffic management and volunteer support in place to ensure peaceful celebrations.
