Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026Image Credit source: PTI
Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: The holy place of Jagannath ji is situated in Puri, Odisha. Every year the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath ji, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra ji is taken out here. This year the holy festival of Jagannath ji’s Rath Yatra will start on 16th July and will end on 24th July. Lakhs of people participate in this journey. There is a religious belief that by participating in the Rath Yatra of God and pulling the chariots, all sins are destroyed and one attains salvation after death.
Jagannath Ji Rath Yatra is not just a religious journey but is considered to be a unique confluence of faith, energy and tradition, but during this journey, a tradition is followed which you will be surprised to know about. The name of this tradition is Adhara Paan. This is a religious ritual performed during the Rath Yatra. In this, a special Prasad is made, which common devotees are prohibited from accepting. Let us know what is the reason for this?
Special drink offerings are made
It is believed that not only humans but also gods, ghosts, vampires and negative powers participate in God’s Rath Yatra. It is believed that ghosts and vampires are under the three chariots. When Lord Jagannath is returning from the Yatra to the temple of Puri, then this religious ritual named Adhara Paan is performed. This ritual continues for three days, on the tenth, eleventh and twelfth day of the journey. In this ritual, nine earthen pitchers are filled with Prasad, a special drink made from things like milk, basil, banana, camphor, black pepper, cinnamon etc. This white colored drink looks like kheer.
Why are devotees forbidden to drink it?
However, the surprising thing is that no one drinks it – neither devotees, nor priests. It is touched by the lips of the Lord on the chariot and spread on the road. It is forbidden to drink this Prasad, because it is dedicated only to God. After this it is left to those invisible powers which are considered outside the human world. To keep those invisible powers calm, Adhara Paan is dropped on the ground, so that they can accept it. It is believed that if a devotee accepts this Prasad, he commits a great sin.
Also read: Nirjala Ekadashi 2026: Tomorrow is the biggest Nirjala Ekadashi of the year, know at what time the fast will be broken.
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.
