Puri, Dec 16: The special ‘Pahili Bhoga Niti’ at Puri Srimandir started today. This offering will continue for a month until Makar Sankranti. The first offering to Lord Jagannath is made before sunrise, and it consists of various preparations including cakes made from wheat flour, ghee, and special local sweets.
According to the SJTA, the offering takes place between 5:30 and 6:00 am, after the Mangala Aarti and other rituals are completed. This event is a part of the Dhanu Sankranti celebrations, which include special offerings prepared by Maa Yashoda during the absence of Maa Lakshmi, who is believed to be visiting her paternal home during this time.
For this ritual, over 23 types of cakes made from barley and wheat are offered, along with other delicacies like "Badajilli", "Amalu", "Gaintha", "Arisa", and "Manda", as mentioned by the senior sevayats (priests) and researchers.
Additionally, the Srimandir administration has informed that from the 17th of December, repairs of temple's Ratna Bhandar will begin. Therefore, the daily afternoon rituals will not be conducted as usual. The administration has assured that all necessary precautions will be taken for the successful completion of the Pahili Bhog ritual during this time.
