Odisha: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan joins thousands of devotees for sacred 'Snana Yatra' in Puri
Puri, June 29
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan arrived in Puri on Monday to participate in the grand Deva Snana Purnima celebrations. The minister joined thousands of worshippers who had 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. Speaking to ANI, one devotee who visited the city to attend the Snana Yatra shared her experience.
She said, "We come to see Lord Jagannath every year, and we are always delighted to attend the Snana Yatra. Today marks the Lord's appearance festival... Watching the procession of Lord Jagannath and Subhadra Devi feels truly wonderful..."
Meanwhile, Odisha Police tightened security arrangements in Puri for Devasnana Purnima on June 29, as a massive number of devotees travelled to participate in the 'Snana Yatra' of Lord Jagannath.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Central Range Satyajit Naik and Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Prateek Singh conducted a detailed review of the arrangements on the ground to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival.
The Odisha Police has deployed 79 platoons of force, along with senior officers and specialised units, to manage the large crowd. The deployment includes Quick Action Teams (QATs), sniffer dogs, rooftop surveillance teams and the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) monitoring for real-time coordination.
Debasnana Purnima, also known as 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.
After the bath, the deities are adorned in Gajanan Besa, which means they are dressed to resemble Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity. This unique attire, also known as Hati Besa, has deep symbolic meaning. On this day, the deities undergo a grand ritual bathing with 108 pitchers of sacred water, a practice believed to purify and honour them. This is one of the rare occasions when the deities are publicly visible, giving devotees a close view before the famous Rath Yatra.
Following this bath, it is believed that the deities become unwell and are moved into a period of seclusion known as "Anavasara," where they are kept away from public view for about 15 days. This period is considered a time of recuperation, as the deities are believed to suffer from fever due to the extensive bathing ritual.
During Anavasara, the deities are offered special medicinal preparations known as 'Phuluri Tela' to aid in their recovery.
Devotees can have a glimpse of the 'Patti Dians' (painted images) of the deities during this time, instead of the actual idols. After the Anavasara period, the deities re-emerge for the grand Rath Yatra, where they are placed on their magnificent chariots and taken on a procession through the streets of Puri. This marks their annual journey to the Gundicha Temple, and it is one of the most celebrated and attended events, symbolising their blessing and grace upon all devotees.
During the period between the Snana Yatra and the Rathyatra, people from all across the world come to Puri to participate.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I visited Puri once during Rath Yatra, and the energy was incredible. This Snana Yatra article explains the Anavasara period so well—the deities resting after their bath is such a human-like touch. It's fascinating how 108 pots of water are used; every number has meaning in our traditions. The Minister's participation is nice but honestly, faith belongs to all, not just politicians. Still, glad to see it get attention.
My grandmother used to tell us stories about Snana Yatra when I was little. The Gajanan Besa (Elephant God attire) is unique—I didn't know it symbolized Ganesha until now! It's a bit worrying that such large crowds can cause issues, but I appreciate the police deploying QATs and sniffer dogs. Hope everyone stays safe and devoted. Jai Jagannath! ❤️
Not from India, but this article gives a beautiful insight into Hindu traditions. The concept of Deities falling 'ill' after bathing and needing rest (Anavasara) is so unique—it shows how rituals are woven with symbolisms of care. However, I wonder about the environmental impact of using 108 pots of water each year; hope they recycle or use it responsibly. Great piece of cultural reporting! 🌍
I'm from Puri, and this festival brings the entire town alive! The mention of 'Patti Dians' (painted images) during Anavasara is accurate—people still come to see them. But honestly, I wish the article highlighted local artisans who make those beautiful chariots and images. Minister Pradhan's visit is fine, but these events are about community, not politics. Still, good to see our traditions respected globally. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.