Puri, Ap 21: Preparations for the traditional ‘Gajanan Besha’ of Lord Jagannath are in full swing ahead of the Debasnana Purnima on Monday, June 29. Devotees will pour 108 pots of holy water on the deity at the Snana bedi before adorning him in the elephant attire.

The preparations began on Akshaya Tritiya, following customary rituals. At the Raghav Das and Gopal Tirth Mathas, all the necessary materials for the costume were placed and sanctified. Under the supervision of servant Dayanamali Basant Kumar Rana, skilled artisans have started crafting the elaborate outfit with utmost devotion.

The costume of Lord Balabhadra and Lord Sudarshan is provided by the Gopal Tirth Math at Balisahi, while the attire for Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra comes from Raghav Das Math. Today, the materials were offered in the presence of the presiding deities, and the artisans performed prayers before commencing work. Items such as bamboo, cane, scissors, red dye, and other essential materials were arranged for ritual worship. Following the Brahmin-led ceremonies, the artisans began the costume-making process with flower offerings to the Lord.

The chief artisans include Satya Narayan Behera and Santosh Kumar Mishra, along with tailor-servants Loknath Mahapatra and Krushnachandra Mahapatra.

Shri Rana emphasized that the elephant costume’s design and dimensions are strictly traditional and remain unchanged every year. Materials such as bamboo, cane, red cloth, jari threads, banana fiber, lace, and other items are used in accordance with established customs.

On Devsnan Purnima, the costume will undergo final rituals and be offered Panha Bhoga before being placed on Lord Jagannath. The decorated Lord will then be taken through the Matha premises in a ceremonial procession, culminating in the Gajanan Vesha at the Snana mandap.