Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday described the centuries-old Suna Besha ritual as a symbol of Odisha’s glorious history and the pride of the Odia people after offering prayers to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in Puri. He also prayed for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.
The Chief Minister visited the Grand Road, where the deities, seated on their chariots in front of the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Jagannath Temple, were adorned with exquisite gold ornaments as part of the annual Rajrajeshwar Vesh, popularly known as Suna Besha.
In a post on X, Majhi said the ritual transcends religious significance and represents Odisha’s rich cultural identity.
“The Rajrajeshwar Vesh, or Golden Vesh of Shri Jiu, is not merely a religious tradition; it is a symbol of the pride and glorious history of the Odia people,” he wrote.
Recalling the origins of the tradition, the Chief Minister referred to Suryavanshi ruler Gajapati Kapilendra Dev, who, according to tradition, offered the gold brought back from his military victories at the feet of Lord Jagannath.
He said the custom of adorning the deities with ornaments crafted from that gold has continued for centuries, preserving Odisha’s rich history, culture, and glorious heritage.
Concluding his message, Majhi prayed for the welfare of the people.
“May the boundless grace and blessings of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath fill every Odia’s life with happiness, prosperity, and peace. Jai Jagannath!” he said.
Suna Besha is among the most revered rituals of the annual Rath Yatra and attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad. The ceremony is observed after the Bahuda Yatra, when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra remain on their chariots before their ceremonial return to the sanctum of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple.
During the ritual, the sibling deities are adorned with elaborate gold ornaments, including crowns, arms, and hands made of solid gold. Lord Jagannath holds a golden chakra (discus) in his right hand and a silver shankha (conch) in his left, while Lord Balabhadra carries a golden hala (plough) and a golden gada (mace).
The dazzling spectacle transforms the Grand Road into a sea of devotion as lakhs of devotees gather for a glimpse of the deities in their regal attire.
