The four-month-long event of the Nabakalebar and Rath Yatra this year came to an end with the Niladri Bije (return of the deities to the main temple) taking place on Thursday evening.

A spectacular display of fireworks and chanting of Jai Jagannath and Haribol marked the homecoming of lord Jagannath, His elder Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra. The holy triads were escorted to the Ratnasimhasan located in the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple on Thursday night in Pahandi procession conducted by the Daita servitors.

On Thursday early morning, priests conducted daily chores of the deities with observance of Mangala Arati and Abakash when fruits were offered as bhog. The day's Nitee on the Raths was closed with observance of Sandhya Arati followed by Sandhya Dhupa. The preparation for Pahandi began with fixing of ladders onto the Raths and onto the Ratnasimhasan in the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple.

The Pahandi procession comprised musical notes of concerted play of ghantas, drums, cymbals, trumpets and bugles, while Odishi dancers presented their devotional dance. The female devotees produced huluhuli which reverberated in the midnight air.

Before that as per the tradition, a play was enacted between the servitors of lord Jagannath and his consort Mahalaxmi. By the order of Mahalaxmi, the temple gate was closed to prevent entry of lord Jagannath to teach him a lesson for not taking Mahalaxmi in the nine-day pleasure trip to the Sri Gundicha temple during the Rath Yatra. Mahalaxmi maintains a close vigil from Chahani Mandop (a projected platform situated at the right side of the temple main gate) on the activities of lord Jagannath on the Nandighosh Rath. While lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were allowed to enter the temple, the door was slammed on the face of lord Jagannath. The lord then offers Mahalaxmi Rasgullas to appease her. After a long persuasion, She allows Him inside.

Hundreds of devotees present Rosgullas as bhog on the occasion. This was the only occasion when Rosgulla is offered to the deities. After installation of the deities on the Ratnasimhasana, the priests resume normal daily rituals starting with Mahasnan (the grand bath) followed by a fresh set of Nitees concluding Badasinghar (night dress) and Pahuda (sleeping). Devotees taste Mahaprasad known as Nilachal Abhada on Friday. This homecoming ceremony of the deities is known as Niladree Bije.