The Suna Besha is observed on Asadha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi Tithi, a day after Bahuda Yatra (the return journey of the three deities). The word ‘Suna’ means “gold” and ‘Besha’ means “costume”. After returning from Gundicha Temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are adorned with beautifully crafted gold jewellery from head to toe the next day. Lord Jagannath holds a gold Chakra in his right hand and a silver Sankha in his left hand. Lord Balabhadra holds a gold Gada in his right hand and a gold Hala in his left hand. The deities are dressed in golden attire on their respective Rath (chariots) in front of Singhadwara of Srimandir. The ritual of Suna Besha began during the reign of King Kapilendradeva, who donated all the golden materials to the temple he won in the battle with the Deccan rulers. He instructed the priests of the temple to craft golden jewellery out of them and decorate the deities during Rath Yatra. Since then, the practice of adorning the deities with gold has continued.
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