In a timeless display of devotion and humility, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri, performed the revered Chhera Pahanra ritual on Thursday ahead of the commencement of the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026.
Clad in pristine white and carried in a silver‑plated palanquin, the Maharaja arrived at the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. Ascending each chariot, he swept the platforms 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 sprinkling of sacred water, creating a sanctified aura at the Bada Danda. 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 humility and surrender before the divine. As thousands of devotees gathered in reverence, the air was thick with spiritual fervour, reaffirming Odisha’s proud spiritual heritage.
