Niali, Nov 22: On the auspicious occasion of Prathamastami, the sacred "Poruha Yatra" of Lord Jagannath took place on November 22, Friday, marking an important tradition in Odisha's cultural calendar.
The journey begins a day before the Prathamastami, on the 7th day of the lunar month, when offerings of traditional "Poruha " are made to Lord Jagannath and his divine family.
The offerings, known as " Poruha ", are a blend of various sacred items, including arua rice, biri, nadiya (coconut), guda (jaggery), pachila kadali (banana), ghia (ghee), chandan (sandalwood), karpura (camphor), aguru (agarwood), jaiphal (nutmeg), pan, guava, Elaichi (cardamom), and labanga (cloves). For the Lord's brother Balabhadra, sister Subhadra, and their divine associates, special fabrics and offerings will also be provided.
The ritual already began at 7 am on Friday from the Madhabananda Jew temple at Niali in Odisha’s Cuttack, where a procession carried the sacred offerings. The procession has been further enriched by the participation of nearly 100 devotional sankirtan groups, along with ghanta (bells) and pakhai (musical instruments). Behera servitors observed fast and travel to the 13th century shrine with the Khandua and other ritual materials.
The sacred event witnessed the participation of numerous servitors, and devotees too.
By 2:30 pm, the procession is expected to reach the Sri Gundicha Temple. The second phase of the Yatra will begin at 3:00 pm from there, with the procession will be concluding at 4:00 pm at Sri Mandir.
On Saturday, during the Prathamastami, the sacred offerings will be presented to the trinity as per the temple rituals.
