After inordinate delay in observance of the morning rituals of the deities, a 21-day annual water sport summer festival, popularly known as Chandan Yatra of lord Jagannath, began here on Tuesday. Madan Mohan, the representative image of lord Jagannath, accompanied byfive Shivas enjoy the boating in the huge Narendra tank to beat the scorching summer heat on the auspicious occasion of Akshyaya Trtiya.
The delay in the beginning of the fete was attributed to lack of concerted actions of the various servitor communities responsible to perform the rituals on time. The day proceedings of the fete (Dina Chapa) could not be observed as the ceremonial procession reached atthe festival site (Narendra tank) in the evening. The temple administration was hopeful to conduct the day proceedings soon.
As per the schedule, Madan mohan and his consort laxmi accompanied by Panch Mahadevs (five Shivas ) believed to be incarnation of panchpandavas began their pleasure trip from the temple in six separate palanquins along the Grand Road (Badadanda) to the Narendra tanksituated about 1.5 km from the temple for boating.
The deities on board decorated palanquins were carried over the shoulders of a special set of servitors known as Biman Badu. The temple musicians recited notes of Geet Gobinda and Odishi bhajans. The youths of various Jaaga ghars (schools of martial arts) accompanied thedeities displaying their skills. The rhythmic bodymovements of palanquin bearers in concert with swinging of the tophalf of the decorated palanquin, particularly of Madan Mohan called“Manivimana” was a rare treat for the pilgrims and devotees. The accompanying devotees in the procession participated in the bathing ritual and joined in grand feast which followed the bathing.
The playing of Odishi “Dekha Go Radhamadhab Chali” on the clarinetsaccompanied by trumpets, cymbals and blowing of conch shells besidesdisplay of fireball skill (banati) in the procession was a splendid scene. The deities on their arrival at the Narendra tank were accorde dsandal wood paste and aromatic water bath for cooling effect. Then the deities were taken in procession to their respective boats shaped as giant swans. The deities on board moved about the tank enjoying the notes and dances of Odishi presented by danseuses on the decks till late in the evening. They would return to the temple in the manner and style as they went. This scene is repeated every day and on completion of 21 days, the concluding ceremony known as “Bhaunri” is observed with display of fireworks and music extravaganza.