A spectacular display of fireworks and chanting of Jai Jagannath and Haribol marked the home coming of lord Jagannath, His elder Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra. The deities were escorted to the Ratnasimhasan located in the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir on Sunday night in ceremonial Pahandi procession conducted by the Daita servitors.
On Sunday morning, the priests conducted daily chores of the deities with observance of Mangala Arati, Abakash and offered fruit as bhog. The day’s nitee on Rath 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.
The Pahandi procession comprising musical notes of concerted play of ghantas, drums, cymbals, trumpets and bugles and performances by Odissi dancers accompanied the deities. The female devotees blew huluhuli which reverberated in the midnight air and lent an aesthetic touch to the whole exercise.
As per a tradition, a play is enacted between the servitors of lord Jagannath and his consort Mahalakshmi on the occasion. By the order of Mahalakshmi, the temple gate is closed to prevent the entry of lord Jagannath. It is done to teach Him a lesson for not taking Mahalakshmi in the nine-day pleasure trip to the Sri Gundicha temple during the Rath Yatra. Mahalakshmi 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 are allowed to enter the temple, the door is slammed on the face of lord Jagannath. In order to appease Mahalakshmi, the lord offers Her rasgullas (special Odia cuisine).
After a long persuasion, she allows the lord access inside.
Hundreds of devotees present rosgullas as bhog on the day. This is the only occasion when rasgulla is offered to the deities. After installation of the deities on the Ratnasimhasana, the priests resume the normal daily rituals starting with Mahasnan (the grand bath) followed by a fresh set of nitees concluding with Badasinghar (night dress) and Pahuda (sleeping). Devotees taste mahaprasad known as Nilachal abhada. This home coming ceremony of the deities is known as Niladree Bije.