THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PURI, JULY 13, 2026

In the run-up to the world-famous Rath Yatra, the 23rd edition of the Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) offered heritage enthusiasts a fascinating journey into the lesser-known rituals and living traditions of Lord Jagannath, highlighting the centuries-old artistry behind the sacred “Tahia Seva” and the significance of the “Anasara” rituals inside the Shree Jagannath Temple.

The heritage walk began at the historic Raghab Das Math, located near the southern gate of the Srimandir, where participants explored the monastery’s enduring role in preparing the ornate “Tahia” floral headgear worn by Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra during the sacred “Pahandi” processions and the deities’ “Hati Besha”. The Math has preserved this revered tradition since the royal era, making it an integral part of Jagannath culture.

Master artisan Satyanarayan Behera, who leads the monastery’s Tahia craftsmanship, demonstrated the meticulous process of creating the elaborate headgear using eco-friendly and traditional materials such as bamboo frames, fragrant flowers, sola pith decorations, silver zari, cotton threads and natural Kaitha gum, without the use of synthetic colours or adhesives.

He informed participants that nearly 24 Tahias and Topors are handcrafted annually by a team of 20 to 25 artisans for six major ceremonial occasions, including Snana Purnima, Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Niladri Bije. He also explained that the dimensions of each Tahia are precisely designed to suit the temple gates through which the deities ceremonially pass.

The walk later proceeded inside the Shree Jagannath Temple, where participants witnessed the sacred “Patti Dian Darshan” during the ongoing Anasara period, when the sibling deities remain in seclusion following Snana Purnima. Heritage enthusiast Arpana Gaurab Das elaborated on the spiritual significance of the rituals, explaining that during Anasara, Sri Narayan is worshipped in place of Lord Jagannath, Sri Ananta Vasudeva represents Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Bhuvaneswari stands in for Devi Subhadra.

Participants also learned about the representative deities worshipped during this period, including Madanmohan, Nrusingha, Dolagovinda, Sridevi, Bhudevi and Rama-Krushna. The heritage trail further covered important temple landmarks such as the Bhoga Mandapa, Koili Baikuntha and Snana Bedi, while discussions on the architectural heritage of the Srimandir culminated with an observation of the sacred Patitapabana Bana fluttering atop the Neelachakra.

As a mark of gratitude for his outstanding contribution to preserving Odisha’s traditional craftsmanship, the PHW team felicitated master artisan Satyanarayan Behera. The programme was coordinated by PHW convener Dr. Kumar Arojyoti and co-convener Ashokamanjari Nayak.

Heritage researcher Debi Prasanna Nanda, along with heritage lovers from Puri, Khordha, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela and several other parts of Odisha, participated enthusiastically in the walk, transforming the event into a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s living heritage and the timeless traditions of Jagannath culture ahead of Rath Yatra 2026.