At the onset of summer, usually around April, the sacred town of Puri comes alive with the vibrant celebrations of Chandan Yatra. It is one of the key festivals associated with the famous Jagannath Temple and marks the beginning of the temple’s summer rituals. The festival lasts 21 days and sees deities smeared with sandalwood paste and taken out in unique boat processions. Scroll on to know more about this ritual and its significance.
What Is Jagannath Puri’s Chandan Yatra?
The Chandan Yatra at Jagannath Puri begins on the third lunar day of the Vaisakha month and continues for around 21 days. The festival usually starts on Akshaya Tritiya, during which devotees apply sandalwood paste to the deities. Idols from the iconic Jagannath Temple are taken out in ceremonial processions and placed on beautifully decorated boats at Narendra Pushkarini for a daily ritual water voyage.
According to the ISKCON Puri website, it is believed that Lord Jagannath instructed King Indradyuma to celebrate this festival during this period. As Vaisakha is one of the hottest months, the application of sandalwood paste (chandan), known for its cooling properties, is considered to soothe and please the deities.
Meaning And Significance
Chandan Yatra is celebrated in two phases—Bahara Chandan and Bhitar Chandan. As the name suggests, the first phase takes place outside the Jagannath Temple for 21 days at Narendra Pushkarini. This is followed by rituals conducted within the temple premises.
During the initial 21 days, the deities are carried to Narendra Pushkarini for a ceremonial water voyage. The atmosphere comes alive with chants, music, and devotion as the rituals unfold. In the Bhitar Chandan phase, ceremonies continue inside the temple for the next 21 days, maintaining the spiritual essence of the festival. Priests perform elaborate rituals, preserving the sanctity of long-standing traditions.
Unlike most temple rituals, Chandan Yatra involves water processions and active public participation. This makes it both visually distinctive and spiritually significant. Sandalwood paste is applied all over the body of Lord Jagannath, except the eyes, symbolising devotees’ care and devotion during the peak summer months. The festival also marks the beginning of preparations for the famous Rath Yatra in Puri.
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Have you seen this yatra in person? Let us know in the comments!
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What is Chandan Yatra in Puri?
Chandan Yatra is a 21-day festival associated with Lord Jagannath, where deities are applied with sandalwood paste and taken out for ceremonial boat processions.
When does Chandan Yatra take place?
The festival begins on Akshaya Tritiya, usually falling in April or May, during the Vaisakha month.
What are the two phases of Chandan Yatra?
The festival is observed in two phases—Bahara Chandan (outside the temple) and Bhitar Chandan (inside the temple).
Can tourists attend Chandan Yatra?
Yes, especially during the Bahara Chandan phase, when rituals are held outside the temple and are open to public viewing.