Debasnana Yatra of Lord Jagannath draws devotees in droves, elaborate security arrangements in Puri

Thousands of devotees have already gathered at the holy city of Puri for the famous Debasnana Yatra of Lord Jagannath, a significant religious event marking the onset of the annual Rath Yatra festival, to be held on Wednesday. 

The Holy Trinity- Lord Jagannath and His siblings-Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, will be adorned with Hati Besha (elephant attire), symbolising an elephant, following a ceremonial bath with 108 pots of perfumed water.

Elaborate arrangements for seamless darshan

Authorities have reportedly made all kinds of arrangements to ensure a smooth darshan (viewing) of the divine spectacle on the Snana Mandap (bathing platform) with intricate arrangements throughout. Security has been bolstered with the deployment of 450 officers and 70 platoons of force to manage the influx of pilgrims.

Timing of traditional rituals

The sacred city has reportedly come alive as locals and visitors have already lined the Grand Road, waiting to witness the grand procession (Pahandi) of the ‘Chaturdha Murti’ from the 'Ratna Singhasana' (bejewelled throne) to the 'Snana Mandap'. The day will begin with the Mangalarpana ritual at dawn, leading into the 'Pahandi' procession, officially scheduled from 5 am to 7 am.

The highlight of the event, the bathing ceremony including 'Jalabije', 'Puja', and Snana Niti' has been officially scheduled to be performed between 12:20 pm to 1:45 pm, where the deities will undergo the traditional bathing rituals. 

The rituals will continue with the 'Cherapanhara', a symbolic act of sweeping at 3.30 pm, followed by the completion of the Hati Vesha to be completed by 4.30 pm. 

It will be followed by traditional rituals like 'Mahantashadi Bandha' and 'Dakhinaghara Bhoga'. Subsequently, 'Sahanamela Darshan' for the devotees will continue from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm.

Must Read: Rath Yatra 2025: Snana Purnima rituals, significance of the divine bath of Holy Trinity in Puri Jagannath Temple

‘The 'Pahandi' ritual will continue from 4 am to 5 am, and the bathing ceremony of the Holy Trinity will be conducted from 12 pm to 1 pm. It has been decided by the 'Badagrahi' and 'Daitapati Nijoga'. Efforts have been made so that the devotees will get smooth darshan of all the holy rituals of the deities during the 'Snana Yatra'," said Ramachandra Das Mohapatra, Goddess Subhadra's Badagrahi.

"We are trying to complete the rituals before the scheduled time for the smooth conduct of the festival. However, it's all about the Lord's wish, without which nothing is possible," said Daita servitor Jayakrushna Das Mohapatra.

Security arrangement

Due to the vast crowd expected to converge for the Snana Purnima, recognised as the precursor to the world-famous Rath Yatra, stringent security and traffic measures have been put in place. As per sources, a robust security presence, including rooftop vigilance and anti-terrorist units and striking forces have been deployed to ensure secure environment.

"Our security forces will be doing their duties in two shifts till the completion of the festival. As many as 450 officers and 70 platoon forces have been deployed as part of the security arrangement," said Central Range IG S Praveen Kumar.

Preparations behind the scenes

In the run-up to the festival, elaborate preparations for the 'Hati Vesha' have been made with significant contributions from the Raghav Das and Gopal Teertha mutts. 

Moreover, artisans are also busy in preparing the 'Pattidiana' for Anasar, a period when the deities are believed to be unwell and not displayed to the public.