Kharghar: The Shree Jagannath Temple observed ‘Deva Snan Purnima’ celebration on June 11 with religious fervour. The age-old traditional ceremony marks the commencement of annual Ratha Yatra or the Chariot Festival of Lord Shree Jagannath scheduled for June 22.

The event held at the Shree Jagannatha Mandir, managed by Maharashtra Odia Welfare Association (MOWA) and located at Hari Hara Peetha, sector 5 Kharghar, drew a significant number of devotees from different parts of the city and Mumbai to partake in the ritual. The event happened under the supervision of Dr Bhagwan Panda, president, MOWA.

The Deva Snana Purnima mainly involves the ceremonial bathing of Chaturdha Murti ie, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Maa Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan.

As many as 108 earthen kalashes (pots) were filled with scented holy water as per the Vedic tradition for the ceremonial bathing ritual which was held amidst the chanting of hymns and slokas.

Panda performed the Chhera Panhara ritual, an essential part of the Snana Purnima celebration. It involves the ceremonial sweeping of the deities' platform.

The idols were later adorned in the "Gajanana Besha’, an iconic aspect of the festival that symbolizes Lord Jagannatha as the personification of Lord Ganesha.

“Snan Yatra is not merely about bathing the Lord—it is a call to wash away the dust of ego, the impurities of desire, and the burden of past negativities. Just as Lord Jagannath accepts the ritual bath and retreats into seclusion for rest and renewal, we too must turn within, to contemplate spiritually recharge,” said Panda.