Puri: The sacred town of Puri is currently immersed in the divine fervor of Chandan Jatra, the longest festival of Lord Jagannath, which spans forty-two days. This summer ritual began on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, marking a period of intense devotion and cultural vibrancy.
The festival is traditionally divided into two phases: Bahara Chandan, the outer sandalwood journey, and Bhitara Chandan, the inner rituals conducted within the temple sanctum.
During the current Bahara Chandan phase, which lasts for twenty-one days, the representative idols of the deities—Madanamohana, Sridevi, Bhudevi, and Ramakrushna—along with the five Shiva idols known as the Pancha Pandavas, are carried in a grand procession from the Singhadwara to the Narendra Pushkarini tank. The atmosphere in Puri is filled with the rhythmic sounds of gongs, conches, and traditional music as thousands of devotees gather to catch a glimpse of the Lord’s journey.
A central feature of the celebration is the Chapa Khela, or the ceremonial boat ride. The deities are placed upon two lavishly decorated boats, named Nanda and Bhadra, which are designed to resemble giant swans. As these boats glide across the waters of the sacred tank during the evening, servitors perform various rituals to provide the deities relief from the scorching summer heat. This cooling theme is further emphasized by the application of aromatic sandalwood paste, mixed with camphor and water, to the idols.
Beyond the aquatic processions, this period holds immense significance as it marks the formal commencement of chariot construction for the world-famous Rath Yatra. On the Grand Road, traditional carpenters known as Biswakarmas have begun the sacred task of fashioning the three massive wooden chariots. This convergence of ritualistic cooling and the architectural beginning of the car festival represents the deep-rooted spiritual heritage and the meticulous continuity of Odishan culture that defines the life of every devotee in Puri.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), has expressed his immense satisfaction with the smooth progression of the festivities. Observing the seamless execution of the complex daily rituals, Dr. Padhee noted that the coordination between the temple administration and the various servitor groups has ensured a peaceful environment for all participants.
SJTA Chief Dr.Padhee highlighted that the primary focus remains the comfort and spiritual experience of the thousands of devotees who have descended upon the holy town. According to the Chief Administrator, the sight of pilgrims joyfully participating in the evening processions and witnessing the Chapa Khela at the Narendra Pushkarini is a testament to the enduring faith that defines Puri.
The Puri Administration has implemented several measures to manage the crowds effectively, allowing devotees to immerse themselves in the religious fervor without hardship.