- By Kashish Rai
- Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: The grand chariot festival which takes place annually at Jagannath Puri Dham in Odisha is set to take place on 27th June 2025. The Rath Yatra festival is a vibrant celebration centred around Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. The deities are ceremoniously taken out of the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri and placed in three magnificent, intricately decorated wooden chariots. Thousands of devoted followers then pull these chariots along a set route to the Gundicha Temple, affectionately known as Lord Jagannath's aunt's residence. This symbolic journey represents the deities' annual visit to their aunt's home, filling the streets with joy, devotion and a sense of community.
The Rath Yatra is a joyous celebration that transcends religious boundaries, embracing cultural and social unity. It's a moment when people from all walks of life unite, putting aside their differences, to participate in this grand festival, showcasing the beauty of togetherness and shared devotion.
During Rath Yatra, a unique ritual called Adhara Pana takes place during the returning journey of Lord Jagannath along with Balbhadra and Subhadra Devi, where a sacred sweet drink offering is made to the deities and then spilt on the floor, symbolically shared with the ghosts and spirits. This poignant act highlights the Lord's inclusive nature and the profound significance of sharing his divine blessings with all forms of existence. Let us know the significance of the Adhara Pana ritual in the Jagannath Rath Yatra and know why the sacred sweet drink is spilled on the floor for the ghosts and spirits.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Significance Of Adhara Pana Ritual In The Puri Rath Yatra
During the Rath Yatra festival, a special offering called Adhar Pana is made to the deities on the 11th day. This refreshing and fragrant drink is a unique blend of milk, sugar, cheese, banana, camphor, nuts, and black pepper, infused with the sacred essence of holy basil. Nine large, barrel-shaped clay pitchers, towering at one meter in height are placed before the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra on their respective chariots.
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At the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Adhara Pana ritual is a highlight of Rath Yatra, where a sweet drink, or "pana", is offered to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on their chariots. (Image Source: The Daily Jagran)
The pots are carefully positioned to reach the lips of the deities, which is fitting given the ritual's name, Adhara Pana. The term 'Adhara' beautifully translates to 'lip', while 'Pana' means 'sweet drink'. As the sun sets, the priests perform the "Sodosha Upachar Pooja" on the chariots, infusing the atmosphere with spiritual energy. Following the puja, these clay pitchers are smashed on the deck of the chariots, allowing the holy drink to spill onto the floor for the ghosts and spirits.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Why Adhara Pana Is Spilled On Floor For Ghosts And Spirits During Rath Yatra?
As per the legends, the Adhara Pana offering is specifically intended for the evil spirits and minor deities, known as Parswa Devatas, who accompany the chariots. By breaking the pots, the divine drink is reserved exclusively for these invisible forces, believed to be trailing the deities in hopes of attaining liberation, or Moksha, by tasting this holy beverage.
Lord Jagannath is known to be so merciful that he liberates all creatures, including the living and the dead. The Adhara Pana ritual is an expression that the divine Lord Jagannath has his merciful eyes on all beings and offers compassion not only to humans but to the ghosts, giving them a chance to liberate themselves from the material World.