Dhanu Sankranti: ‘Pahili Bhoga’ ritual begins at Puri Srimandir

With the Dhanu Sankranti marking the transition of the Sun into Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi) on Monday, the special ‘Pahili Bhoga’ rituals began at the Srimandir in Puri.

As per the age-old tradition, the special ritual will continue at Srimandir for a month, from today until the day before Makar Sankranti.

As many as 24 special pithas (pancakes) and curries will be prepared and offered before the Holy Trinity as part of the special ritual.

As per sources, ‘Dwara Phita’ ritual of Puri Srimandir was conducted at around 2.15 am today. It was followed by ‘Mangala Alati’. Subsequently, 'Pahili Bhoga’ was offered before the deities in the wee hours.

As per experts, ‘Pahili Bhoga’ ritual is performed at Srimandir to reminisce the memory that Maa Jashoda was offering so many kinds of cakes to Lord Krishna out of sheer love and affection.

“The special ritual of ‘Pahili Bhoga’ is performed at Srimandir in the wee hours with utmost sincerity and dedication,” said Mahasuara servitor Ganesh Mahasuara.

“Special kinds of cakes and food items are prepared as part of the ritual. Mahasuara servitors take the Prasad inside and it is offered before the deities at the time of ‘Gopala Ballabha’ Bhoga.

Notably, the ‘Pahili Bhoga’ will be offered to the deities at Srimandir daily between 5:30 am and 6:00 am throughout the month. Thousands of devotees throng Puri every year to witness the ritual and receive the Pahili Bhoga on Dhanu Sankranti.