Colourful chariots are the first thing that people notice during Odisha’s annual chariot procession of the gods, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Decorating the chariots for the procession has been the responsibility of Darji or tailoring servitors for generations.
Applique items such as chhati or umbrella, tarasa, a heart-shaped wooden piece covered by applique and supported by a long wooden pole, and chandua, an umbrella-shaped canopy are also used to dress up the chariots during the processions.
The craftsmen involved in. . .