A Divine Feast: The Bhoga of Rath Yatra

The world-famous Sri Gundicha Yatra is a festival that delights the eyes and nourishes the soul. But it is also a grand gastronomic journey, a divine feast prepared with immense love for the Lord of the Universe. From the quiet days of Anasara to the joyous return of Niladri Bije, every ritual is marked by unique and delicious food offerings, known as Parvani Bhoga.

Let’s embark on a divine food tour that follows the Mahaprabhu on His grand festival.

The Healing Feast of Anasara

The festival begins with the Lord in a 15-day seclusion period, or Anasara. During this time, He is offered light, healthy, and restorative foods. The main offering is Chakta Bhoga, which includes fruits like mango and jackfruit, and washed moong dal. He is also served sweet drinks (Pana) and, towards the end of the seclusion, a special herbal sweet called Dashamula Modak to help Him fully rejuvenate for His journey.

A Procession of Flavours: Panti Bhoga

On the day of the Gundicha Yatra, as the deities emerge from the temple in the grand Pahandi Bije procession, they are greeted by a spectacular sight. Devotees and various Mathas (monasteries) line the path, offering rows of food known as Panti Bhoga. This includes everything from sprouted moong dal and fresh fruits to sweets like Khua Manda and Malpua. It’s a beautiful tradition where the entire community comes together to feed their beloved Lord.

The Return Journey’s Famous Treats

The journey home, or Bahuda Yatra, features some of the most famous food offerings of the entire festival.

• The Legendary Podapitha: As the chariots halt near the Mausima Temple, a special offering of Podapitha is made. This unique “cake” is prepared with chhena (cheese), flour, ghee, and nuts. It’s a taste that is deeply connected with the nostalgia and devotion of the Bahuda Yatra.
• The Spectacular Adharapana: A day before the Lords re-enter the temple, a magnificent ritual takes place on the chariots. Giant clay pots, tall enough to reach the lips of the deities, are filled with a sweet, fragrant drink called Adharapana. After being offered, these pots are smashed, and it is believed this divine nectar is consumed by the guardian spirits (parshwa devatas) of the chariots.

The Sweetest Apology: Niladri Bije’s Rasagola

The festival concludes with one of the most heartwarming stories. When Lord Jagannath returns to the Srimandir, He finds the gates barred by a jealous and angry Goddess Lakshmi, who is upset He went on a long journey without her. To appease his beloved consort and win his way back into the temple, Lord Jagannath offers her delicious Rasagolas. This sweet gesture, known as the Rasagola Bhoga, melts her heart and has become an iconic part of Odisha’s culture, celebrated as “Rasagola Dibasa”.

This tradition of offering food with immense love is the heart of Jagannath Culture. For devotees who wish to emulate this spirit in their own homes, offering daily bhoga on a traditional Kansa or Brass Bhoga Thali can make their personal worship feel even more special and connected to the rituals of Puri.

From simple fruits to elaborate cakes and the world-famous Rasagola, the bhoga of the Gundicha Yatra is a testament to the boundless love between the Lord and His devotees.

Jai Jagannath!