Bhubaneswar: The sacred Deva Deepawali celebrations began today at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, which will continue for three days at the 12th century shrine.
During the celebrations, Lord Jagannath will perform rites symbolising human-like rituals. Over these three days, the Lord will offer ‘Deepadana’ carry out other ceremonies to honor His ancestors.
During this time, Lord Jagannath will be adorned in the Shraddha Besha, a special attire for the occasion. The temple and its surroundings will be illuminated with a stunning display of lights, with garlands of lamps decorating the area.
Organisers, including the Odisha International Center (OIC) and various committees, have planned to light one lakh diyas on both sides of the Puri Bada Danda, from the Singha Dwara to the Shree Gundicha Temple.
As per tradition, Deva Deepawali is celebrated during the Margasira Krushna Chaturdashi, Amavasya, and Pratipada days. During this time, Lord Jagannath, in his Shraddha Besha, performs rituals for his ancestors highlighting the significance of Deva Deepawali.
As part of the celebrations, the Pushpalaka Sevakas dress the Lord and His siblings in traditional Shraddha attire.
Lord Jagannath is adorned in a Nagapuri saree, measuring 16 to 18 hands in length, while Lord Balabhadra is draped in a dhoti that is 14 hands long and 4 hands wide. Devi Subhadra’s saree measures 12 hands in length and 3.5 hands in width.
“Today marks the Margasira Krushna Chaturdashi, followed by Amavasya and Pratipada, the three days when the Lords perform rites in respect of their ancestors, making this period a special occasion,” said a servitor.
