Odisha CM visits sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik's residence on Deva Snana Purnima
Puri, June 29
Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik on Monday said Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited his residence in Puri on the occasion of Deva Snana Purnima, where the two also discussed promoting the state's art and culture.
Pattnaik said the Chief Minister first visited to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath before coming to his residence, where he congratulated him on becoming the first Indian to win the Russian Grand Sand Master Cup.
"Today is Devasnana Purnima, a sacred day for Lord Jagannath. Devotees from across the country and abroad flock to Puri for this occasion... It was a privilege for me that, by the Lord's grace, CM Mohan Charan Majhi visited to seek the Lord's blessings on this holy day. Afterwards, he visited my home," Pattnaik told ANI.
He said the Chief Minister had earlier assured him that he would personally visit his residence after his return from Russia.
"When I returned from Russia after becoming the first Indian to win the Russian Grand Sand Master Cup, the CM had said he would personally come to my home to congratulate me on this major achievement for the country... He viewed the cup and medal I had won, as well as all the other awards I had received over the years, and offered immense encouragement. He also interacted with my family," Pattnaik said.
According to Pattnaik, the Chief Minister also discussed ways to further promote Odisha's art and culture.
Deva Snana Purnima marks the ceremonial bathing of the sibling deities with 108 pots of sanctified water. Following the ritual, the deities are believed to fall ill and remain out of public view during the 'Anasara' period before reappearing for the annual Rath Yatra.
Thousands of worshippers gathered to witness the sacred bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, marking a centuries-old tradition.
The festival marks the ceremonial bathing of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra in 108 pots of water in a sacred ritual.
Devotees from across the country travelled to be part of the event. Snana Yatra is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which usually falls in June. This festival holds immense religious significance, as it is believed to be the birthday of Lord Jagannath.
The deities are taken out in a grand procession from the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple to the Snana Mandap, an elevated platform where the bathing ritual takes place.
Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, are brought out from the sanctum sanctorum to the Snana Mandap, a special bathing platform. On this day, the deities undergo a ceremonial bath with 108 pitchers of sacred water.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Wonderful to see political leaders engaging with artists in meaningful ways beyond just photo ops. The fact that CM Majhi remembered his promise and visited on Deva Snana Purnima shows cultural sensitivity. Hope this translates into more support for Odisha's traditional arts and crafts. 🙏🎨
Deva Snana Purnima is one of the most visually spectacular festivals I've ever witnessed. The 108 pots of water ritual, the procession, the sheer devotion of thousands... it's overwhelming. CM visiting a local artist on this sacred day adds a beautiful human touch. 🇮🇳
While I appreciate the gesture, I hope the government also focuses on practical support for artists - better infrastructure, fair payments, global exposure. Words are nice, but action matters more. Sudarsan ji is a gem, but there are many unrecognized talents in Odisha needing support. 🤞
What a proud moment for Odisha and India! 🇮🇳 Sudarsan Pattnaik ji is a legend who puts our state on the global map. CM visiting his home personally shows the new government's respect for culture. Deva Snana Purnima is always magical in Puri - the energy is unbelievable. Jai Jagannath!
The tradition of Snana Yatra is so ancient and beautiful. Watching the deities bathed in 108 pots of sacred water during Jyeshtha Purnima creates such a divine atmosphere. CM Majhi visiting an artist simultaneously shows he's
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