--Nilachal Abadha now from today : The Rath Yatra at Puri concluded with the Trinity, late on Saturday, returning to the Shreemandir from their chariots parked at the Lions Gate.
After spending 12 days outside the main temple, the homecoming of the Lords led the devotees to cheerfully greet the deities with Rasagola sweets. Quintals of Rasagola were served to the deities as a mark of welcome, a ritual known as Niladri Bije of the Trinity. The holy occasion is also celebrated as Rasagola Day in Odisha.
The traditional Lakshmi-Narayan Bheta during the entry of Lord Jagannath to the sanctum sanctorum was practiced. Lord Jagannath had to say sorry to Mahalakshmi for not accompanying Her to the Gundicha Ghar in the Rath Yatra. He also committed to take Her in the Rath Yatra next year and by the way, pleased Mahalakshmi by gifting a pot-full of Rasagola sweets.
On Sunday, Mahaprasad will be made available to the devotees at the Jagannath Temple after a gap of 12 days which is known as Nilachal Abadha. It has great religious importance as the holy siblings will be given home-cooked rice dishes after the long gap due to their trip to the Gundicha Temple. Lakhs of devotees are still camping in Puri to partake the holy Nilachal Abadha.