Heritage walk showcases rare Jagannath rituals ahead of Rath Yatra

Ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra, the 23rd edition of the Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) offered heritage enthusiasts a rare opportunity to explore the rich traditions and lesser-known rituals associated with Lord Jagannath and the sibling deities.

The walk focused on the historic Raghab Das Math, famed for its centuries-old “Tahia Seva”, and the sacred “Anasara” rituals observed at the Shree Jagannath Temple.

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Situated near the southern gate of the Srimandir, Raghab Das Math has, since the royal era, been entrusted with the task of preparing the elaborate floral “Tahias” worn by Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra during the “Pahandi” processions and the “Hati Besha” ritual.

During the visit, chief artisan Satyanarayan Behera demonstrated the intricate process of crafting the headgear using bamboo frames, fragrant flowers, sola pith, silver zari, threads and traditional “Kaitha” gum, without synthetic colours or adhesives. Participants learned that 24 Tahias and Topors are handcrafted by 20-25 artisans for six major ceremonial occasions, including Snana Purnima, Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Niladri Bije. The size of each Tahia is carefully designed to suit the temple gates through which the deities pass.

The walk later moved to the Shree Jagannath Temple, where participants witnessed the “Patti Dian Darshan” during the “Anasara” period, when the deities remain in seclusion after Snana Purnima. Heritage enthusiast Arpana Gaurab Das explained the significance of the rituals and the worship of representative deities during this period. Participants also visited the Bhoga Mandapa, Koili Baikuntha and Snana Bedi, while discussing the temple’s architecture and ritual traditions.

The PHW team felicitated Satyanarayan Behera for preserving the traditional Tahia craft. Coordinated by Dr. Kumar Arojyoti and Ashokamanjari Nayak, the walk drew heritage enthusiasts from Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela and other parts of Odisha, celebrating the state’s living Jagannath heritage ahead of Rath Yatra 2026.