Kendrapara: The Snana Yatra, the ceremonial bathing festival of the Lord Baladev, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra, is underway at the famous Lord Baladevjew temple in Odisha’s Kendrapara district today.
The Snana Yatra also known as Deba Snana Purnima, a prelude to the annual Rath Yatra at Tulasi Kshetra, is being observed with the participation of a minimum number of servitors due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
The three deities – Lord Baladev, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra were taken to Snana Mandap earlier this morning. After the Pahandi Bije of deities, Jaya Mangala Alati and Neeti Snana were performed.
As per schedule, Ballav Manohi ritual of the Trinity will be conducted at 12 noon, Mangala Arpan at 1pm, Gajabadan Besha at 1.30pm and Khechudi Dhupa at 2pm. Entry of deities to Anabasara abode will be held at 7pm today.
The Kendrapara district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival.
The admin has imposed Section 144 in and around areas of Baladevjew temple in order to restrict public gatherings on the occasion.
The order will remain in force till completion of the ritual. Only selected servitors and officials will be allowed to enter the temple.