Puri (Odisha) – A divine spectacle unfolded in the holy town of Puri as lakhs of devotees gathered to witness one of the most majestic rituals of the annual Rath Yatra — the Suna Besha, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, was adorned in dazzling golden attire atop their majestic chariots.
Returning from their nine-day sojourn to the Srigundicha temple, the sibling deities made their way back to the Lions’ Gate of the 12th-century Srimandir during the Bahuda Jatra. It was here, in the glow of the setting sun and the chants of countless devotees, that the divine trio was transformed with resplendent gold ornaments.
Srimandir servitors began the sacred decoration shortly after completing the midday rituals. With utmost devotion and precision, they adorned the deities with intricate ornaments such as golden hands (Sri Hasta), feet (Sri Payar), crowns (Sri Mukuta), peacock feathers (Sri Mayur Chandrika), earrings (Sri Kundal), aura (Sri Rahurekha), and necklaces (Sri Mala). The process took over an hour, with ornaments brought under tight security from a temporary strongroom established due to repair works at the temple’s Ratna Bhandar.
To ensure a smooth and safe experience for the sea of pilgrims, over 200 platoons of police were deployed across Puri. Traffic control, crowd management, and security arrangements were meticulously handled by the administration, allowing the ritual to proceed peacefully.
Historically, the “Suna Besha” was introduced in 1460 during the reign of Gajapati King Kapilendra Deb. After his victorious conquests, the king offered an abundance of gold and silver to Srimandir, which continues to be used during this revered ritual. While the deities are adorned with gold five times a year, only once — during Rath Yatra — does this grand adornment take place atop the chariots in full public view.
This year’s Rath Yatra began on June 27, when the deities embarked on their journey to Srigundicha temple. After a night halt and ceremonial welcome at Saradhabali on June 28, they were taken to the Adapa Mandap on June 29. The journey back for Bahuda Jatra occurred on July 5, setting the stage for the glorious Suna Besha.
The divine festivities will continue in the days ahead. The sacred Adhara Pana offering is scheduled for July 7, where the deities will be served a traditional cooling drink. Finally, on July 8, the revered idols will return to the inner sanctum of Srimandir in the Niladri Bije ritual, bringing the grand celebration to a spiritual close.
As gold shimmered against the evening sky and chants echoed along the Grand Road, the Suna Besha once again reaffirmed the deep spiritual connection between the divine and the devotees, making this annual spectacle a timeless testimony to Odisha’s rich cultural and devotional heritage.
