Bhubaneswar: Chhera Pahanra or sweeping around the deities Lord Jagannath and His siblings on the three chariots by Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb with a golden broom began soon after Pahandi during the Bahuda Yatra on Saturday.
As per tradition, the titular King of Puri is informed about the deities having taken their places on the chariots through a messenger specially deputed by the temple officials. The King, clad in spotless white attire, carried in a silver-plated palanquin, climbs up on the chariots one by one.
Gajapati Maharaj holds a broom with a golden handle in his hand and sweeps as other servitors throw flowers on the space of the chariot for the sweeping purpose by the king. Thereafter fragrant sandal water is sprinkled on the surface of the chariots to sanctify them.
This ritual gives a clear message to society that there should be no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, or any other barrier before the almighty. It stresses that all are equal when it comes to the all-seeing Lord Jagannath.
After Chhera Pahanra, the Charamala Phitiba and Ghoda Lagiba ritual will be undertaken and the pulling of chariots will begin.
