PURI: The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, world-renowned for its ancient customs, recently observed the unique Shripanchami Bent and Chacheri Besha rituals. This marks the beginning of the spring festivities, often referred to as Basanta Gundicha. The atmosphere inside the 12th-century shrine turned vibrant as the deities transitioned into their festive red attire, symbolizing the arrival of the spring season. 
Shripanchami in Puri: Inside the Divine Hunting Ritual of Lord Jagannath


The Transformation into Chacheri Besha

The rituals began immediately after the completion of the Madhyanha Dhupa (midday meal offering). The temple priests, known as Pushpalakas, adorned Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in magnificent red silken clothes. This specific look is called Chacheri Besha.
In this attire, red is the dominant color. The deities wear red Saris and red headgear known as Shrikapada. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are decorated with golden hands called Nalibhuja. They wear exquisite traditional jewelry, including:
  • Makara Kundala (Earrings)
  • Chandrika (Moon-shaped ornaments)
  • Gini Mali and Harada Mali (Traditional bead necklaces)
Devi Subhadra is beautifully decorated with gold ornaments representing the Sun and the Moon.

The Play of Colors and the Hunting Ritual

Following the dressing ceremony, the temple witnessed the ritual of colors. Priests prepared three distinct shades of Abira (herbal gulal): white, yellow, and red. These colors were sanctified and applied to the deities.
The most exciting part of the day is the Bent Niti or the "Divine Hunting Ritual." The representative idols—Dola Govinda, Sridevi, and Bhudevi—were carried in a decorated palanquin to the Benta Pokhari (a sacred pond).
According to tradition, this ritual mimics a royal hunt. Six green coconuts were placed to represent deer. Lord Dola Govinda then "hunts" these targets, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the protection of the world. After the hunt, the idols received a special cooling food offering called Shitala Bhoga and a ceremonial lamp ritual (Bandapana).

Significance of the Day

This tradition highlights the deep connection between the deities and the changing seasons. By participating in these "human-like" activities—wearing seasonal colors and going on a hunt—the Lord of the Universe stays close to the hearts of His devotees. The day concluded with the representative idols returning to the main temple in a grand procession, marking a successful start to the spring festival.