The sacred Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri has concluded peacefully with the successful completion of the Niladri Bije ritual, marking the return of the deities to the sanctum sanctorum of the Srimandir.
With this, the much-awaited Mahaprasad, also known as Nilachala Abadha, has resumed at the Ananda Bazaar within the temple premises from today.
After the Rath Yatra and Niladri Bije, Mahaprasad at Puri Srimandir resumes today, with deities back on Ratna Singhasana.
Following the completion of Niladri Bije on Tuesday night, the Sibling Deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra—were ceremoniously brought back to their divine throne, the Ratna Singhasana, by the Daitapati servitors through the traditional Goti Pahandi procession. The return began with Lord Sudarshan, followed by Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The spiritual fervour reached its peak during Lord Jagannath’s Pahandi, which was carried out amidst chants, cymbals, and divine ecstasy.
With the deities now reinstated in their abode, all daily rituals and offerings have resumed as per tradition. Devotees from across the country, who had eagerly awaited this moment, can once again partake in the holy Mahaprasad, a key element of Jagannath culture and devotion.
The smooth conduct of the grand Rath Yatra and the return procession has reaffirmed Odisha’s spiritual and administrative readiness, while rekindling the age-old devotion associated with this globally renowned festival.