Bhubaneswar: Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb commenced the most awaited ritual of Chhera Pahanra, then swept around the deities Lord Jagannath and His siblings on their three chariots after completion of the Pahandi Bije ritual on Sunday.
Following tradition, the temple officials inform the titular King of Puri when the deities have taken their positions on the chariots. After which, the King, dressed in the ceremonial attire, arrived near the chariots of the Holy Trinity carried on a palanquin.
Upon arrival, the King and a group of servitors headed towards the chariots and offered prayers to the Lord of the Universe and his special services.
Holding the famous ‘golden handled broom’, Gajapati Maharaj personally swept the space around the chariots while other attendants scattered flowers. Following this, fragrant sandalwood water was sprinkled on to sanctify the chariots.
The Chhera Pahanra ritual of Lord Jagannath is a powerful reminder to society that there is no room for discrimination based on caste, creed, or any other distinction. For Lord of the Universe, every individual in the society has equal importance.
After Chhera Pahanra, the ceremonies of Charamala Phitiba and Ghoda Lagiba will follow, marking the beginning of the chariot-pulling festivities.
