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Snan Yatra
June 22 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Snan Yatra, also known as Snana Yatra or Deba Snana Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival observed in honor of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. It is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which usually falls in June. Snan Yatra is an essential event leading up to the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, India.
Key features and rituals associated with Snan Yatra include:
1. **Bathing Ceremony:**
– The main ritual of Snan Yatra is the ceremonial bathing of the deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. This grand ceremonial bath takes place in the Snana Mandap, a structure specially built for the occasion.
2. **Unique Bathing Process:**
– The deities are bathed with 108 pitchers of water, consisting of sandalwood, perfumed water, milk, yogurt, honey, and other auspicious substances. This ritual is known as “Deva Snana Purnima Snana.”
3. **Public Viewing:**
– Unlike many other Hindu festivals where the deities are kept away from public view, Snan Yatra is unique because it allows devotees to witness the bathing ceremony. Pilgrims and locals gather to observe the elaborate rituals and seek the blessings of the deities.
4. **Pahandi Procession:**
– After the bathing ceremony, the deities are adorned in new attires and taken in a grand procession called the “Pahandi.” The deities are carried on decorated palanquins by priests and devotees, allowing the public to have darshan (sight) of the divine forms.
5. **Rath Yatra Prelude:**
– Snan Yatra is considered a prelude to the famous Rath Yatra (chariot festival) that takes place a few weeks later. After Snan Yatra, the deities are said to fall ill and are kept away from public view for a period known as “Anasara.” During this time, the deities are given herbal medication, and their eyes are painted. They reappear in public view during Rath Yatra.
6. **Devotee Participation:**
– Devotees believe that witnessing the Snan Yatra and having a glimpse of the deities during the bathing ceremony is highly auspicious. It is believed to cleanse devotees of sins and bring spiritual benefits.
Snan Yatra is an important event in the religious calendar of Puri and draws a large number of devotees and tourists. The festival symbolizes the purification and rejuvenation of the deities, preparing them for the grand chariot procession during Rath Yatra.