Puri: The Twenty-one day annual water sports summer festival popularly known as Chandan Yatra of lord Jagannath began in a traditional ceremony Friday evening.
Madan Mohan, the representative image of Lord Sri Jagannath accompanied by five Shivas, visits the huge Narendra tank to enjoy boating to cool themselves.
The practice goes on for twenty-one days and concludes on 21st day of the ritual called “Bhaunri”.
As per the schedule, Madanmohan the representative idol of Lord Jagannath, and his consort Laxmi accompanied by Panch Mahadevas (five Shivas) believed to be incarnation of Pancha Pandavas began their pleasure trip from the temple in six separate palanquins along the grand road (Bada danda) to Narendra tank (a huge water body) situated about 1.5 km from the temple for boating.
The deities on their arrival at the Narendra tank were accorded sandalwood paste and aromatic water bath for cooling effect.
Then the deities were taken in procession to their respective boats “Nanda” and “Bhadra” shaped like giant swans.
The deities on board moved about the tank enjoying the ride on the boats and returned to the temple in the manner and style as they went late in the evening. This scene is repeated every day for twenty-one days.
UNI