Puri, Sept 2: The sacred Shri Krishna Leela, which began on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of the Bhadra month, to conclude today on Shukla Paksha Dashami.

This divine enactment, held annually at the revered Jagannath Temple, commemorates the legendary slaying of demon king Kansa by Lord Krishna.

Today’s ritual marks the climax of the spiritual drama, where Mahaprabhu Jagannath, in the form of Shri Krishna, symbolically defeats Kansa in a ceremonial battle staged near the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the temple. The event is a visual and devotional spectacle, drawing thousands of devotees and onlookers.

In the afternoon, Mahaprabhu will emerge from the temple in a decorated palanquin (palki) named Shri Ramakrishna Palki, carrying the divine command garland (Agyanmala).

The procession will pause at Labanikhia Mandap, where Mahaprabhu will partake in the traditional offering of labani (salt) from the hands of the Mahabhoi family, a ritual steeped in symbolic meaning.

From there, the deity will proceed to Mathura Nagar, represented by the Grand Road (Bada Danda), where the final act of Krishna Leela unfolds.

The Battle of Dharma At Mathura Nagar, a dramatic reenactment of the battle between Lord Krishna and Kansa will take place. The confrontation symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over tyranny. Following Kansa’s symbolic defeat and death, Mahaprabhu will return to the temple in the palki, concluding the week-long spiritual festivities.