Rath Yatra: Gajapati performs Chhera Panhara

Puri: Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, known as the royal servitor of Lord Jagannath, performed the Chhera Panhara of the Trinity on their respective chariots. The Shankaracharya of the Govardhan Mutt paid his tributes to the deities before the Chhera Panhara rituals.

The Puri Gajapati came seated atop his royal palanquin from the Raja Nahara or royal palace to perform his duty as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath. He was welcomed by servitors and escorted to the chariots one after another starting with Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra followed by Debadalana of Devi Subhadra and Nandighosha of Lord Jagannath. On each of the chariots, the servitors sprinkled fragrant water and flowers that the Gajapati swept with a golden broom.

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