Puri, June 26: With just three days remaining for the sacred Snana Purnima, preparations for one of the most significant rituals in the annual calendar of Lord Jagannath have entered the final phase in Puri. On the auspicious occasion, the Holy Trinity-Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra-will leave the Ratna Singhasan and appear before devotees on the Snana Mandap for the ceremonial bathing ritual.

The district administration, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and various servitor bodies are making coordinated efforts to ensure the festival is conducted smoothly and in an orderly manner.

As part of the traditional rituals, the Daitapati servitors will formally enter the Srimandir on Jyestha Shukla Trayodashi tomorrow. They will remain in charge of the deities' rituals, care and security for nearly a month, beginning with Snana Purnima and continuing through the Anasara period until the Rath Yatra.

Speaking on the preparations, Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, Chief ‘Bada Grahi’ of Lord Jagannath, said all arrangements have been made to ensure the Snana Yatra is conducted in a disciplined and devotional atmosphere. He said lakhs of devotees will be able to witness the sacred rituals from the Grand Road (Bada Danda) as the deities are ceremonially bathed on the Snana Mandap.

The much-awaited Jalalagi ritual and the magnificent Hati Besha (Elephant Attire) of the deities will also be performed with traditional grandeur. Temple authorities have ensured close coordination among all servitor groups to facilitate the seamless conduct of every ritual associated with the festival.

To discuss the elaborate preparations, ritual significance and arrangements for the smooth conduct of Snana Yatra, senior Puri reporter Chandrasekhar Patra held an exclusive interaction with the Chief Bada Grahi of Lord Jagannath, Jagannath Swain Mohapatra.