Rath Yatra: Adhara Pana Niti Concludes In Puri

Puri, July 18: The Adhara Pana Niti has come to a conclusion here Thursday, a day after the 'Suna Besha' -- the deities glittered in golden attire.

The Adhara Pana Niti is performed on Asadha Shukla Dwadashi. During the ritual, the terracotta pots are placed on each chariot -- Lord Jagannath's Nandighosa, Lord Balabhadra's Taladhwaja and Darpadalana of Devi SUbhadra -- parked near the Singhadwara (Lion's Gate) of the Srimandir.

As per the ritual, a special drink called Pana -- milk beverage -- is offered to the deities. Mahasuara servitors prepare the Pana on the chariots. Pania Apata Sevakas bring water from a well near Chhauni Matha near Singhadwara and pour it in large containers.

The Mahasuara servitors then prepare the Pana with ingredients, such as milk cream, cheese, sugar, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper, etc. and offer the Pana to the deities.

The Pana is only for the Gods and Goddesses, who stayed on the chariots during Rath Yatra to guard the holy trinity which is why they are known as ‘Rath Rakhyak’. Devotees are forbidden to partake it.