Bhubaneswar, June 17 -- Construction of the three chariots for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra in Puri Srimandir came to a halt on Wednesday after Vishwakarma Maharana servitors suspended work over a dispute regarding the collection of leftover wood, locally known as 'Khei' wood.

The impasse has prompted discussions between the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and representatives of the Vishwakarma Maharanas to find a solution and resume the construction work without further delay.

According to sources, the servitors have traditionally been allowed to take rounded wooden pieces measuring up to four feet in length from the leftover timber generated during chariot construction. These ...