Artiste Makes Chariot in Rice Grains

BY: SUN STAFF CORRESPONDENT

[Photos: Sampradaya Sun]

Jul 16, 2010 — JAGANNATHA PURI, ORISSA — Artists and carpenters in Puri and other places in the state might have left no stone unturned to outdo each other by erecting giant chariots for Rath Yatra. But Vivekananda Nayak (46) from Puri stood out among all the competitors. Unlike others, Nayak did not make huge chariots or idols. Rather he has drawn the attention of many by making the smallest chariot and Deities (Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra).

He carved out the miniature chariot and idols on rice grains. The height of the chariot is nearly 2 inches, and the width is around 1 inch. The chariot has sixteen wheels, akin to the chariot of Lord Jagannath (Nandighos).

Nayak carved out Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra on three rice grains. The sibling Deities were installed on the mini-chariot on July 13th. And it is very hard to acknowledge his artistic potential through naked eyes. You need to peek into the tiny idol through the help of a zoom lens.

"I started the work on Akshaya Tritiya on May 16th, on which day construction work of the chariots for Jagannath temple Deities also started. I completed the work few days before Rath Yatra," Nayak said.

"It required a lot of concentration and homework," said Nayak, who works as an ad-hoc railway labourer at Puri railway station. "On behalf of East Coast Railway, I want to dedicate my art to the nation on the occasion of Rath Yatra," he said.

His two daughters, Anupriya and Supriya and only son, Rajesh, also helped him in making the art. "My daughters have learnt the skills to some extent. They were curious and helped me throughout the chariot making," he added.

At his residence, Nayak has mounted a small pandal and installed the rice-idols along with the chariot for puja. Neighbours are making a beeline to have a glimpse of his fabulous creation.

Nayak, who is equally deft in making art on sand, stones and wood, has carved out images of Mahatma Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru on rice grains. Recently, he got a chance to showcase his talent before President Pratibha Patil during her visit to Puri. Impressed over his handiwork, Patil patted him and donated some money.