Basically, it is a special ceremony where deities are bathed in holy water from 108 different pots. This tradition reflects the fundamental concept of being purified spiritually which affects each person who takes part.

One of the most significant festivals is Lord Jagannath Snana Yatra. Following their purification in the holy bathing ceremony, the Deities are given the Hathi Besha (elephant outfit), which represents their playful and caring personality.

The Characters Who Take Part in Jagannath Snana Yatra

The procedure includes having darshan of the blessings:

• Lord Jagannath is another name for the Supreme Personality of God
• Lord Balabhadra is known as the elder brother
• In the Mahabharata, Devi Subhadra is known as the beloved sister
• Sudarshana Chakra is the disc used for protection by holy beings

Undergoing Spiritual Changes as a Result of Darshan

It holds much greater importance than the ritual itself. Scriptures from ancient times say that being seen by the deities on this day wipes away all your sins and helps you move ahead spiritually.

The tradition comes from a story where a devotee of Lord Ganesh visited Puri during Snana Yatra but refused to see Lord Jagannath, as he only worshipped Ganesh. That night, Lord Jagannath appeared in his dream and assured him he would not be disappointed. The next day, when the devotee returned, he saw Lord Jagannath and Balaram in the form of decorated elephants (Hati Vesha) and Subhadra as a lotus flower. This divine pastime pleased the devotee, and since then, the Lords wear this special attire after the Snana Yatra bath. Some also call it Ganesh Vesha, as it resembles Ganesh.

According to the Skanda Purana, King Indradyumna started this ceremony when he first installed the wooden Deities of Lord Jagannath. It is considered the Lord’s “birthday” and has tribal roots, as Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Nilamadhava by the tribal chief Viswabasu. Even today, the Daitas and Savars (tribal descendants) have the exclusive right to conduct the rituals. The Saora tribe in southern Odisha also performs a similar ceremonial bath for their deities on Jyestha Purnima, using water collected from untouched jungle sources.