Loknath Mohapatra is a 40-year-old appliqué artisan based in Puri, Odisha, belonging to the Darji Sevayat Nijog associated with the Jagannath Temple tradition. He began practicing the craft at the age of 15, continuing a generational lineage of artisans engaged in ritual service connected to Lord Jagannath and the annual Rath Yatra. His son has also recently begun participating in the practice, reflecting the continuation of hereditary knowledge within the family. Around fifteen related families from the same lineage are currently involved in this work in Puri. His practice is closely tied to ritual obligations rather than market production. Within the family, only male members participate in temple-related service traditions. The work involves the preparation of chandua and other ritual appliqué textiles used for different parts of the ratha, including batha, dwaraghoda, potol, and mandini, which are later assembled into a larger ceremonial structure. A large chandua is also prepared for the interior of the chariot. In addition to chandua, the family also produces ritual objects such as chhatri, bana, tarasa, and bimana used in temple processions and ceremonial adornment. Knowledge is transmitted within the household through observation and participation, gradually leading younger members into service. According to Loknath, the craft follows prescribed ritual conventions, leaving little room for alteration or experimentation in form and design. Earlier, many of these ritual textiles were produced using pure silk pattavastra. The family remains engaged throughout the year in a range of ritual occasions and festival cycles associated with the Jagannath tradition, including Snana Purnima, Akshaya Tritiya, Chandan Yatra, Dol Purnima, and various beshas such as Gajanana Besha, Raja Besha, and Padma Besha. Their work takes place across multiple locations depending on ritual requirements, including within the temple complex, temple offices, homes, and associated mathas. Unlike market-oriented appliqué production in places such as Pipili, Loknath’s practice remains almost entirely dedicated to ritual use for Jagannath temples and religious festivals across Odisha.