Hera Panchami 2026
The sacred Hera Panchami ritual was observed with traditional fervour in Puri on Monday, marking the fifth day of the annual Rath Yatra 2026 and the deities’ stay at the Shree Gundicha Temple.
One of the most significant rituals of the festival, Hera Panchami symbolises Goddess Lakshmi’s visit to Lord Jagannath after He leaves the Srimandir without taking Her along during the Rath Yatra.
The rituals began with Goddess Lakshmi being seated in the Bhandara Ghara of the Jagannath Temple, where Palia Mahajana servitors performed her ceremonial bath. The deity then underwent the Banaka Lagi ritual and was adorned with a traditional Pata saree, ornaments and floral decorations.
Grand Palanquin Procession to Gundicha Temple
Following the rituals, the Bimanabadu servitors carried Goddess Lakshmi in an elaborately decorated palanquin from the Singhadwara to the Bada Danda, accompanied by the sounds of bells, kahali, ceremonial umbrellas and other traditional rituals. The palanquin was placed beside Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha Rath near the Shree Gundicha Temple.
Later in the evening, Pati Mahapatra servitors performed a series of sacred rituals, including Prasad Lagi, Bandapana, Chamar Alata, Ghasa Bidia and Dahi Pati Manohi, before the symbolic ceremony.
Symbolic Breaking of Nandighosha Rath
As part of the centuries-old tradition, Goddess Lakshmi’s palanquin was moved near Nakachana Dwara, where additional rituals were performed by the Bhitarachha Mahapatra after receiving the Hatuani from the Garabadu servitor.
The highlight of Hera Panchami followed when a small portion of Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha Rath was symbolically broken, expressing Goddess Lakshmi’s displeasure over being left behind during the Rath Yatra.
According to temple tradition, the ritual reflects the divine relationship between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi, portraying a symbolic expression of affection, separation and reunion that forms an integral part of Jagannath culture.
After completing the rituals, Goddess Lakshmi returned to the Srimandir through the traditional Hera Gohiri Sahi route.
Chariots to Face South Ahead of Bahuda Yatra
Preparations are now underway for the next important ritual of the Rath Yatra. On Tuesday, after the Sakala Dhupa ritual and the offering of the Agyanmala, the three chariots will be turned southwards.
According to temple tradition, Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana Rath will be turned first, followed by Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja Rath and finally Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha Rath. The chariots will then be positioned near the Nakachana Dwara, marking another significant milestone before the Bahuda Yatra, the deities’ return journey to the Jagannath Temple.
