Rath Yatra 2025: Puri Gajapati Maharaja performs ‘Chhera Panhara’; know significance

Following the completion of 'Pahandi Bije'(royal procession)  rituals of the 'Chaturdha Murty', Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb performed the 'Chhera Panhara' on the three chariots with a golden broom on the occasion of the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri on Friday.

The fascinating ritual of ‘Chhera Panhara’ means sweeping of the space around the chariot by the king of Puri, who is considered as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath and His siblings-Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

It is an important ritual of the world-famous festival. It is because Gajapati of Puri is regarded as Lord Vishnu and to witness the king along with Lord Jagannath on chariots is believed that all sins of a devotee are washed away. 

No distinction between the king and the sweeper

The Gajapati of Puri was brought to the chariot from his royal palace in a palanquin named 'Tamjan' to perform the duties of a sweeper. He held a golden broomstick in his hand. Other Sevayatas threw flowers on the chariot deck for the sweeping purpose by the king. Thereafter, sandal paste water was sprinkled to sanctify the space. This act signifies that there is no distinction between the king and a sweeper. This is the greatness of the culture of Lord Jagannath.

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Devotees on the grand road eagerly waited for this occasion as it is believed that to witness Gajapati Maharaja and Lord Jagannath together means washing away all sins.

After the completion of this ritual, the long-awaited chariot pulling begins.

'Chhera Panhara' ritual is performed on two occasions- on Gundicha Yatra when the deities go to the Gundicha temple and on Bahuda Yatra when the deities return to their abode.