Argus News - Jagannath Temple Reschedules Rituals, Suna Besha to be held at Night

Puri, Mar 3: The annual Suna Besha ritual of Lord Jagannath will be held tonight at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on the occasion of Dola Purnima, temple officials said.

Dola Jatra is one of the 12 major festivals of the deities. However, as a lunar eclipse is set to occur on the day, the customary rituals at the temple have been rescheduled. Instead of the daytime ceremony, the deities will be adorned with gold ornaments as per 'Suna Besha' rituals at night and will give darshan to devotees through the night.

According to the schedule finalised at the Chhatisa Nijoga meeting, the temple doors will open at 12.39am. This will be followed by Mangala Alati, Mailam, Tadap Lagi and Abakash rituals. After the offering of Khai Kora bhog and completion of the internal rituals, the ceremonial procession will proceed as per tradition.

Also Read: Odisha Set to Witness Partial 'Chandra Grahan'; Lunar Eclipse Timings Announced for March 3

The movable idols -- Dolagobinda, Bhudevi and Sridevi - will proceed to the Dolabedi in a ceremonial palanquin after receiving the 'Agyan Mala'. There, the devotees will celebrate the festival of colours inside the temple premises.

Temple authorities said several deviations in the daily rituals are expected due to the eclipse, in accordance with established religious practices.

It can be mentioned here that the first lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) of the year 2026 will occur today and will be visible in parts of India, including Odisha.

According to astronomical calculations, the eclipse will begin at 2:14pm Indian Standard Time when the Moon enters the Earth’s penumbra. The partial phase will start at 3:20pm, followed by the total lunar eclipse from 4:34pm to 5:32pm. The partial phase will end at 6:47pm IST.