They get accustomed to an austere lifestyle from a young age, gaining precision at performing various rituals and confidently uttering religious verses, which sound like tongue twisters to a layman.

Juggling religious responsibilities with homework and school projects have become a part and parcel of their lives.

Meet the little servitors of Jagannath temple, who grin and bear their responsibilities during rath yatra like every other faithful follower of the Lord. While some of them can be seen sprinkling holy water during pahandi (carrying the idols to the chariots), others may be spotted beating the gongs with great enthusiasm.

The child servitors are not allowed to perform full-fledged services at the temple before they turn 18 and until then, their grooming continues. They undergo training everyday, performing different rituals. They are ones who take on the mantle from their elders and carry forward the legacy of serving the Lord. The services of their families are registered in the record book of the temple.

Prateek Kumar Daitapati, a Class VII student of a private school here, aspires to become an engineer, but tradition demands that he grows up as one of the chief servitors at the temple. Although one would expect most children of his age to be rebellious, Prateek nonchalantly stated that serving the Lord was his priority. “Each of us knows his specific task and we all try our best to perform it with utmost sincerity and dedication,” said the 12-year-old.

Since he remains busy throughout the rath yatra festival, studies take a backseat. “The whole city is in a festive mood for 10 to 12 days. So, there is no urgency in completing school projects and assignments. Even our teachers are very understanding. On other days, too, we come to the temple to render our services rather happily. I have never felt it to be a burden,” said Prateek.

Another young servitor, Sabyasachi Das Mahapatra, a Plus Two student said: “The environment on the auspicious day is electrifying. The chanting of Lord’s name and hymns as we walk with multitudes of devotees fills our hearts with pride, as we are among the privileged few to be present around the chariot and serve the Lord.”