Chandan Yatra is a major festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha.
It is also known as Gandhalepana Yatra or the festival of sandalwood paste.
The festival lasts for 21 days in the month of Vaishakha (April-May).
During the festival, the deities of Puri Srimandir are taken in a procession to Narendra Tank.
This ritual is known as the 'Chapa Khela' or playing with boats.
The deities, Lord Jagannath and his siblings, are adorned with sandalwood paste after a ritual bath.
The procession returns to the temple, known as 'Chandan Lagi'.
The festival also includes cultural programmes like music, dance, and theater.
The highlight of the festival is 'Rath Yatra' or the chariot festival.
The Rath Yatra takes place two months after Chandan Yatra.
The deities are taken out on massive chariots through the streets of Puri.
The festival attracts devotees from all over India and the world.
Chandan Yatra showcases the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Puri.