Puri, Ap 23: The famous Chandana Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings in Puri of Odisha is to be held on 30th April 2025. A 21 day long festival will witness the deities being taken in a ceremonial boat ride in the Narendra Pond, applying sandalwood paste to sooth the deities in the summer heat.
The Chandan Yatra is a 42-day celebration, split into two phases: Bahar Chandan and Bhitara Chandan. This festival is an important part of the Rath Yatra preparations, with the construction of the chariot also beginning on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.
The history of Jagannath's Chandan Yatra dates back to the 9th century when it was introduced by King Kapilendra Deva.
According to popular belief, after the grand Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, would fall ill. To restore their health, this unique festival was initiated. The festival is also known as Gandhalepana Yatra, as it involves applying 'gandha' or sandalwood paste to the deities during this time.
Duration & significance:
Jagannath's Chandan Yatra spans 42 days, beginning from Akshaya Tritiya, the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Vaisakha, and concludes on Purnima (the full moon day).
Beyond its religious significance, Chandan Yatra stands as a symbol of communal harmony, where people from diverse castes, classes, and religions unite to celebrate. The festival is also a showcase of Odisha's rich cultural heritage through its elaborate rituals and celebrations.
Rituals & celebrations:
The Chandan Yatra celebrations begin with the 'Chandan Yatra' or 'Chandan Jhaun' ritual. During this ceremony, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are brought out of the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath temple and taken in a grand procession to the Narendra Pond. Here, the deities are bathed with scented water and generously smeared with sandalwood paste, believed to cure their ailments and prepare them for the upcoming Rath Yatra.
A key feature of the festival is the daily 'Chapa Khela' or boat race held at the Narendra Pond. The boats, adorned with flowers and lights, race across the water, with participants displaying immense enthusiasm. The 21-day boat race is one of the festival's main attractions, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
Another highlight of Chandan Yatra is the 'Bhaskara Yatra,' or Sun Festival. On this day, the deities are placed on a chariot and paraded around the streets of Puri, symbolizing Lord Jagannath's journey to visit his devotees in their homes. The chariot, decorated in yellow and red cloths representing the sun’s colors, is accompanied by vibrant music and dance performances, making it a spectacular sight.
Jagannath’s Chandan Yatra is not just a celebration of faith and culture, but also a testament to the unity and vibrancy of Odisha's traditions.
