Puri, Jul 21: The preparation of the sacred Kanakamundi Chandua, a ceremonial canopy that adorns the deities during Niladri Bije, began on Monday at the Bada Odia Math in Baseli Sahi.

The traditional work was formally initiated by Prakash Mahapatra, one of the principal Darji Sevaks (tailor servitors) of Lord Jagannath, along with his son Ayush Mahapatra.

The Kanakamundi Chandua will be installed above the Ratna Singhasana (bejewelled throne), where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshan will be seated during the Niladri Bije ceremony, marking their return to the sanctum of the Shree Jagannath Temple after the Rath Yatra.

Speaking about the tradition, Prakash Mahapatra said the canopy has a unique design and is crafted using five colours, each carrying symbolic significance. The portion above Lord Jagannath will feature yellow, Devi Subhadra's section will be red, and Lord Balabhadra's will be green.

The canopy is meticulously stitched using alternating strips of white, yellow, Khandua-patterned, green, red, black, and other coloured fabrics, creating a distinctive traditional design. It is made from a combination of silk and cotton cloth, following age-old temple customs.

The sacred service of preparing the Kanakamundi Chandua has traditionally been undertaken by the Bada Odia Math, which continues to preserve this important ritual associated with the annual Niladri Bije festival.