Snana Purnima: The Grand Bathing Festival – 56 Bhog Celebration at Shri Jagannath Mandir Thyagraj Nagar, Delhi
Introduction Snana Purnima, also known as Deba Snana Purnima, is a significant and auspicious festival in the Jagannath cult. It marks the first occasion in the year when the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are brought out of the Jagannath Temple in Puri for a public bathing ceremony. This festival, celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May-June), is an important precursor to the Rath Yatra. Historical and Mythological Significance According to mythology, Snana Purnima commemorates the divine bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. It is believed that the deities take this ritualistic bath to honor their devotees and to cleanse themselves before embarking on the annual Rath Yatra. The festival is mentioned in ancient scriptures and holds a vital place in the cultural and religious traditions of Odisha. Rituals of Snana Purnima The rituals of Snana Purnima are