Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath

Every year on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, thousands of pilgrims flock the pilgrim city of Puri to witness the beginning of the 21-day water sports festival―Chandan Yatra―of Lord Jagannath. The Yatra takes place at the Narendra Pokhari (pond) in Puri. As per the rituals, the representative idol of Lord Jagannath as well as five Shivalingas, known as the Pancha Pandavas, is taken in a procession from the Singhadwara of the temple to the Narendra Pokhari. After various rituals, the deities are placed on the richly decorated boats for a ride in the water body. Accordingly, Madanmohan, the representative idol of Lord Jagannath, his consort Laxmi and Panch Pandavas are taken in a grand colourful journey from the Jagannath Temple in six palanquins along the Grand Road to Narendra Pokhari. The deities are ceremonially escorted by a set of temple servitors on decorated 'Bimanas', while the Lord rides a special one called 'Manibimana'. The deities on their arrival at the Narendra Pokhari are given a sandalwood paste and aromatic water bath for cooling effect. Then the deities are taken in a procession to their respective giant swan-shaped boats. The deities move about the tank enjoying the notes and dances of Odissi presented by dancers on the decks till late in the evening. The deities return to the temple in the manner and style as they went out. The scene is repeated daily and on completion of 21 days, the concluding ceremony, known as 'Bhaunri', is observed with display of fireworks and music extravaganza.