Puri: Ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra, the 23rd edition of the Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) offered heritage enthusiasts a unique opportunity yesterday to explore the rich traditions and lesser-known rituals associated with the Trinity. The walk focused on the historic Raghab Das Math, renowned for its centuries-old “Tahia Seva”, and the sacred “Anasara” rituals observed inside the Shree Jagannath Temple.
Located near the southern gate of the Srimandir, Raghab Das Math has been entrusted with the preparation of the “Tahia”, the magnificent floral headgear worn by Lord Jagannatha and Lord Balabhadra during the “Pahandi” processions, and the “Hati Besha” of the deities since the royal era.
During the visit, Satyanarayan Behera, the chief artisan of the monastery, explained the intricate process of crafting the “Tahias” using natural materials such as bamboo frames, fragrant flowers, sola pith decorations, silver “zari”, threads, and traditional “Kaitha” gum, without the use of any synthetic colours or adhesives.
Participants learned that a total of 24 “Tahias” and “Topors” are prepared by a team of 20-25 artisans for six major ceremonial processions, including “Snana Purnima, Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra”, and “Niladri Bije”. The artisan also highlighted how the size of each Tahia is carefully designed according to the temple gates through which the deities pass.
The heritage walks then proceeded inside the Shree Jagannath Temple, where participants witnessed the “Patti Dian Darshan”, the sacred painted representations worshiped during the “Anasara” period when the deities remain in seclusion after “Snana Purnima”. Heritage enthusiast Arpana Gaurab Das explained the significance of “Anasara” and the worship of Sri Narayan in place of Lord Jagannath, Sri Ananta Vasudeva in place of Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Bhuvaneswari representing Devi Subhadra. Alongside them, the other deities are the representative idols like “Madanmohan, Nrusingha, Dolagovinda, Sridevi, Bhudevi” and “Rama-Krushna”. The participants also visited the “Bhoga Mandapa, Koili Baikuntha, Snana Bedi”, and observed the “Patitapabana Bana” atop the Neelachakra while discussing the temple’s architectural and ritual heritage.
As a mark of appreciation, the PHW team felicitated master artisan Satyanarayan Behera for his invaluable contribution to preserving the traditional “Tahia” craftsmanship. The heritage walk was coordinated by Dr. Kumar Arojyoti, convener, and Ashokamanjari Nayak, co-convener. Heritage researcher Debi Prasanna Nanda, along with heritage lovers from Puri, Khordha, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela and other parts of Odisha participated enthusiastically, making the event a meaningful celebration of Odisha’s living heritage and Jagannath Culture ahead of the annual Rath Yatra 2026.