Bana Bhoji Besha

The Gajanan Besha, also known as ‘Hati Besha’ is adorned by the deities on the occasion of ‘Devasnana Purnima’, where mask of the elephant god is placed on Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath after the ceremony.  The Besha symbolizes Lord Jagannath’s omnipresence and remover of obstacles. The story goes that many years ago, there was…

After Snana (bathing) ceremony conducted on Snana Purnima, all the three deities fall ill and are taken to Anasara Ghara (sick room), where they rest for 15 days. The servitors perform secret rituals to heal them and the ailing deities are offered fruits and herbal medicines during this period. After recovering from fever, ‘Banakalagi’ seva…

The Tahiya Lagi Besha is performed during the Rath Yatra festival. Tahiya is a floral crown, shaped like a betel life. It is worn by Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra during Snana Purnima, Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Niladri Bije. It is made with bamboo sticks, cane, solapith and flowers. The crafting of…

This Besha of the deities are done in the month of Baisakha and Jyestha starting with Akshaya Tritiya. It is performed for a prolonged period of 42 days. The deities are smeared with scented sandalwood paste, giving them a unique appearance. The Chandan Lagi Besha not only signifies the importance of sandalwood but also keeps…