Puri, Jan 14: On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, special rituals were observed at Puri Srimandir in honor of the Trinity Deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
The SJTA organized elaborate ceremonies to mark the occasion.
The morning began with the Mangal arati and Abakasa Niti of the deities. Following which, the sacred Pata Paharana was placed on the deities, and they were adorned with the traditional ‘Makar Chula’ on their heads, symbolizing the harvest season. A series of rituals followed, including Karpura Lagi, Gopalballabha, and Sakala Dhupa.
The deities were then bathed in sacred water, followed by the full-body dressing and Nualuga Lagi specific ceremonial attire. The deities were then decorated in the Makara Chaurasi Besha, special attire, marking the beginning of the Uttarayana phase, when the sun’s journey starts its northward movement.
This transition signifies the arrival of warmer days and is considered a time of hope and new beginnings. The Makara Chaurasi Besa, which features Malachula ornaments, was prepared with care by the Jagannath Ballabh Math, while the flowers and basil leaves for the attire were provided by the Badaodia Math.
The Makar Chaula Bhoga known as Makaratada was sent from the Alam Chandi temple to the Srimandir.
