Top News

A majestic wave of devotion swept through Puri’s Grand Road (Bada Danda) on Sunday evening as lakhs of devotees gathered to witness the divine spectacle of Suna Besha, when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were adorned in resplendent gold ornaments atop their chariots.

As golden rays of the setting sun kissed the chariots, the deities gleamed in over 200 kilograms of intricate gold jewelry—crowns, limbs, and symbolic weapons—radiating celestial magnificence. The air reverberated with the chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ and the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, creating an ethereal atmosphere that overwhelmed the senses of the pilgrims who had arrived from across the country.

Observed on the Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi Tithi, the 11th day of the waxing moon in the Odia month of Ashadha, Suna Besha is one of the most sacred and anticipated rituals of the Jagannath Temple calendar. Performed after the return of the deities from the Gundicha Temple during the Bahuda Yatra, this annual adornment is also referred to as Rajarajeswara Besha or Badatadahu Besha. It signifies the royal majesty and supreme divinity of the Holy Trinity.

The ritual began in the late afternoon, as sevayats (temple servitors) delicately embellished the idols with shimmering ornaments, transforming the chariots into moving palaces of divine grandeur. As the evening progressed, the illuminated deities bathed in golden hues left countless devotees spellbound and spiritually uplifted.

To manage the massive turnout, the Odisha Police deployed over 200 platoons, with drones and AI-powered cameras enhancing surveillance. Medical teams, water stations, and other support services were also set up to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims.

Tracing its origins to the 15th century, the tradition of Suna Besha is believed to have been introduced by King Kapilendra Deva. Today, it continues to embody not just the grandeur of the Rath Yatra but also the divine kingship of Lord Jagannath.

With the completion of Suna Besha, the focus now shifts to Niladri Bije—the return of the deities to their sanctum sanctorum within the Jagannath Temple—marking the final chapter of the awe-inspiring Rath Yatra festivities.