Every year during the grand Rath Yatra, the sacred city of Puri witnesses a unique ritual that mirrors human emotions in divine form — Hera Panchami.
On this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath, expresses her displeasure over being left behind when the Lord embarks on His annual journey to Gundicha Temple with His siblings.
As per tradition, the Goddess visits Gundicha Temple on the fifth day of the Rath Yatra. In a symbolic act of anger, she orders her servitors to damage a part of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, the Nandighosha Rath, before returning to Srimandir through Hera Gohiri Sahi, her pride softened, and her love reaffirmed.
The ritual, steeped in Odia cultural sentiment, portrays Goddess Lakshmi as the archetypal Odia wife — loving yet assertive. Ancient texts like Ratha Chakada credit King Kapilendra Deb for transforming Hera Panchami into a grand celebration, marking the ceremonial beginning of Bahuda Jatra, when the chariots turn south during Dakhina Moda, signalling the deities’ return.
Historically, Hera Panchami also holds journalistic significance — Utkal Deepika, Odisha’s first vernacular daily, published its earliest known article on the ritual on July 28, 1888, marking the dawn of organised coverage of Odisha’s cultural heritage.
Jagannath culture experts explain that the ritual embodies divine emotion and cosmic balance — a celestial reminder that even gods experience love, longing, and reconciliation.
