Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday extended greetings to devotees on the occasion of Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannath, praying for peace, happiness, good health and prosperity for all.
In a post on social media, the Chief Minister offered prayers to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, describing the annual ritual as one of the most revered occasions in the Hindu calendar.
“On the sacred occasion of the Snana Yatra, millions of humble obeisances at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra,” Sarma said.
He also prayed for the well-being of people, saying, “May the boundless grace of the Supreme Lord infuse every life with happiness, peace, excellent health and prosperity. Jai Jagannath.”
Snana Yatra, also known as Deba Snana Purnima, is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha and marks one of the most significant rituals associated with Lord Jagannath.
As part of the ceremony, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are ceremonially bathed with 108 pots of sacred water drawn from a designated well within the temple premises.
The ritual is primarily associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, where thousands of devotees gather each year to witness the ceremonial bathing of the deities.
According to temple tradition, the deities are believed to fall ill after the elaborate bathing ritual and remain out of public view during a fortnight-long period known as Anasara. During this period, special rituals are performed by temple servitors before the deities reappear for devotees during the annual Rath Yatra.
Snana Yatra is celebrated with religious fervour across several parts of the country, including Assam, where Jagannath temples organise special prayers, devotional programmes and community feasts to mark the occasion.
(With inputs from IANS)
