Snana Purnima 2026: Preparations Complete as Holy Trinity Set for Grand Ceremonial Bath in Puri

Bhubaneswar: The sacred town of Puri is all set to witness one of the most significant rituals in the annual Jagannath tradition as Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will be taken to the Snana Mandap on Sunday for the ceremonial bathing ritual of Snana Purnima.

Preparatory rituals for the grand event have already commenced inside the Shree Jagannath Temple. The Daitapati servitors entered the shrine early to carry out the customary rituals ahead of the deities’ ceremonial procession to the Snana Mandap.

Among the important rituals completed on Saturday night were the Bahuta Kanta and Charamala ceremonies. During the secret Bahuta Kanta ritual, the sacred wooden shoulder supports, known as Bahuta, were ceremonially prepared. Crafted from Baula wood by temple carpenters using traditional measurements, these supports are used during the Pahandi procession of the deities.

The Charamala, a ceremonial ladder, has also been secured to the Ratna Vedi to facilitate the Pahandi Bije of the Holy Trinity from the Ratna Simhasana. Before the rituals, the Daita servitors sought the blessings of Lord Jagannath for the smooth conduct of all ceremonies from Snana Purnima until Niladri Bije.

Following the Pahuda ritual on Saturday night, the sibling deities were adorned with traditional Khandua Pata garments. The Senapata Lagi ritual began early Sunday morning and will be followed by other prescribed temple rituals before the deities are escorted to the Snana Mandap.

As per centuries-old tradition, the Holy Trinity will enter the Anasara period after the ceremonial bath, symbolising a phase of illness following the elaborate bathing ritual. During this period, the deities will remain away from public view while the Daitapati servitors perform a series of confidential rituals and offer traditional care until their reappearance ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.

Meanwhile, thousands of devotees have already arrived in Puri to witness the sacred Snana Yatra. To ensure smooth crowd movement and public safety, the Puri district administration and police have put extensive arrangements in place, including dedicated parking facilities, traffic management plans and the deployment of adequate security personnel across the pilgrim town.