Kolkata, 11 June (H.S.):

In a symbolic gesture ahead of the Snan Yatra, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday sent mangoes and jackfruits from her personal residence to the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha. The fruits were offered as part of the traditional bhog to Lord Jagannath during the ceremonial bathing ritual.

Radha Raman Das, a senior official from ISKCON, confirmed that the fruits sent by the Chief Minister were among the 56 delicacies (chhappan bhog) offered to the deities. This year’s Snan Yatra holds special significance as it marks the first time the festival is being celebrated at the Digha Jagannath Temple since its inauguration on Akshaya Tritiya.

A specially decorated mandap (ceremonial pavilion) was set up for the Snan Yatra. At around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the traditional bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra was conducted with sacred offerings and rituals. Later in the evening, Lord Jagannath is expected to appear in the 'Gajavesha' (elephant attire) for public viewing before retreating into seclusion.

As per tradition, following the Snan Yatra, the deity is believed to fall ill and refrains from public appearances for about 15 days. The temple doors will reopen on June 26, marking the commencement of the Rath Yatra, when Lord Jagannath embarks on his symbolic journey to his maternal aunt’s house.

The Chief Minister’s offering of fruits has been seen not only as an act of devotion but also as an endorsement of the festival by the highest level of the state government. Preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra began early Wednesday morning, signaling the growing prominence of Digha as a spiritual destination.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh