Bhubaneswar, 11 June (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday took part in the revered Pahandi rituals at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, marking his first participation in the ceremony as Chief Minister. The event was held on the auspicious occasion of Deba Snana Purnima, a key precursor to the annual Rath Yatra.

During his visit, CM Majhi had the darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra as they were ceremonially escorted from the sanctum sanctorum to the Snana Mandap (bathing altar). Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude and reverence:

“I witnessed the Pahandi rituals of Mahaprabhu for the first time today. It was a deeply spiritual experience. I pray for a smooth and peaceful Rath Yatra and hope every devotee has the divine opportunity to witness the Lord’s blessings. The efforts of the temple administration and servitor community are commendable, and I am confident that this year’s festival will proceed seamlessly.”

The Pahandi rituals, integral to Rath Yatra traditions, involve the ceremonial movement of the three deities accompanied by rhythmic chants, drumbeats, and blowing of conches, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country. This ceremonial journey to the Snana Mandap is a symbolic beginning to the world-famous chariot festival.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda