The sacred Snan Yatra (Bathing Festival) of Lord Jagannath is being observed today with reverence across the country, including various Jagannath temples in the state. The celebration marks a significant day in the Vaishnav calendar and draws large gatherings of devotees at temple premises.
Traditionally, the Chandan Yatra (Sandalwood Festival) begins on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. This festival, which continues for 21 days, culminates in the Snan Yatra — a ritualistic bathing ceremony of the deities.
According to religious beliefs, the scorching summer heat during the Bengali months of Baisakh and Jyeshtha is alleviated for the deities through special rituals. To offer relief from the heat, Lord Jagannath is anointed with sandalwood paste and bathed with coconut water and other sacred ingredients.
Today, in all major Jagannath temples, including the famed Jagannath Jiu Temple, the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were bathed ceremoniously amid special prayers and chants. The temple premises witnessed a significant footfall of devotees who gathered to witness and participate in the auspicious rituals.
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