Nabanka Besha (Phula Melana) of Lord Jagannath: January 13, 2026

The Nabanka Besha, also known as the Phula Melana (Flower Confluence) ritual of Lord Jagannath, will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

The Phula Melana Ritual:
For the ‘Phula Melana’ on this auspicious day, the traditional gardeners (Malis) wear Baghamuha (tiger-face masks) and carry various floral ornaments such as Mala (garlands), Chula, and Kabara. Accompanied by the Bhitarasevaka (inner servitors) in a grand procession featuring bells (Ghanta), ceremonial umbrellas (Chhatra), and trumpets (Kahali), they circumambulate the temple (Bedha) once. They then hand over these floral ornaments to the Palia servitors at the Beherana for the Lord’s dressing. These flowers are used for the Lord’s special Sandhya Alati Besha.

Preparation at Bada Odia Matha:
Special ornaments made of marigold flowers are being prepared at the Bada Odia Matha specifically for the Nabanka Besha.

Ritual Background:
According to ancient traditions, the Nabanka ritual is performed at Shrimandir on the day before Makara Sankranti. The Dudha Melana (Milk Confluence) ritual was conducted on the day preceding Nabanka.

Chaulagi and Adhibasa:
After the completion of the Sandhya Alati and Sandhya Dhupa, the Chandanlagi (sandalwood application) ritual takes place. Earlier, the Bhoga Mandapa hall is thoroughly washed, and a canopy (Chandua) is hung. Sacred colored patterns (Muruju) are drawn on the Bhadrasana, and rice is kept in three bamboo baskets (Baunshia). These are consecrated (Adhibasa) with flowers, sandalwood, and silk cloth (Chemedi Patani), after which the doors are sealed (Muda).

The Chaula Melana (Rice Confluence):
On the day of Nabanka, after the Sandhya Alati, the Chaula Melana ritual is performed. The Berabhoi Pradhana brings rice from the Dhanaghara (temple granary) after preparing the path at the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate). The Pradhana Bhoi, wearing the Baghamuha mask, leads a procession with bells, umbrellas, and trumpets around the temple once. The loads of rice are then placed in the courtyard of the Indrani Temple, marking the completion of the Chaula Melana.

Madanmohan’s Procession:
After the Besha is complete and the area is purified with water, the offerings (Bhoga) are summoned. Once the offerings arrive, the representative deity Lord Madanmohan is brought from the Dakshina Ghara (Southern Room) to the Ratna Singhasana. After the Manohi (food offering) ritual and purification, an Agyanmala (divine decree garland) is offered to Madanmohan from the sacred body of the main Lord.

Thereafter, Madanmohan is carried by hand and circumambulates the Singhasana four and a half times. He is then placed on the Biman (palanquin) near the Bata Mula (sacred Banyan tree). A grand procession with bells, umbrellas, and trumpets moves around the temple premises four and a half times, with the trumpet being blown during each round. After completing the rounds, the palanquin is returned to the Bata Mula. The deity is then carried by hand through the Jaya-Vijaya Dwara to the Nandabarta, where Prasad is offered and Vandapana (ceremonial adoration) is performed. Finally, the Lord returns to the Dakshina Ghara. 🙏❤️