In a timeless display of devotion and humility, the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Divyasingha Deb, performed the revered ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual on Friday ahead of the commencement of the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025.
Clad in pristine white and carried in a silver-plated palanquin, the titular king arrived at the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra amid the sonorous chants of Vedic hymns. He ascended each chariot and swept its platform with a golden-handled broom, symbolising the equalising presence of divinity, where even the king becomes a servant of the Lord.
The ritual was accompanied by Sanskrit slokas, showering of fragrant flowers, and sacred water, creating a sanctified aura at the Bada Danda in Puri. Following the sweeping ceremony, the Maharaja performed aarti and offered Chamer Seva—gently waving a ceremonial fan in homage to the deities.
The Chhera Pahanra is more than tradition—it is a philosophical act, underscoring the core tenets of humility and surrender before the divine. As thousands of devotees gathered in reverence, the air was thick with spiritual fervour and timeless emotion.
This year’s Rath Yatra once again showcased the enduring interplay of royalty, ritual, and religion—an echo of Odisha’s proud spiritual heritage that continues to inspire generations.
