Puri, Jun 27: Preparations for the annual Snana Yatra and the world‑famous Rath Yatra have begun at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, with the entry of the Daitapatis into the shrine marking the start of the rituals. On the auspicious Jyestha Shukla Trayodashi Tithi, the Daitapatis assumed their traditional responsibilities of service and protection of the deities, temple authorities said on Saturday.

For nearly a month, the Daitapatis will oversee the intimate rituals of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. This evening, they will perform the Bahutakanta Niti, while the Kothasuansia servitors will tie the ceremonial Charamala. Tomorrow, the deities will be draped in Patabastra as part of the Senapata Lagi ritual, ahead of the grand Snana Purnima.

The entry of the Daitapatis has generated excitement among devotees, scholars, and sevayats, who eagerly await participation in these deeply symbolic ceremonies. Crowds have already begun gathering in Puri to witness the divine rituals leading up to the Rath Yatra.

The Daitapatis hold a unique position in Jagannath tradition. Considered as kin of the Lord Jagannath, they are entrusted with sacred duties during the Nabakalebara and other major rituals. They transform the Darubrahma into divine form, performing purification rites and observing strict traditions. Their service is collective, with over 150 members participating, and every male born into the Daitapati families is inducted into the service after ritual initiation.
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Beyond ritual duties, the Daitapatis also receive a share of temple revenues, including donations and auction proceeds, reflecting their central role in the temple’s functioning. During the Rath Yatra, they are accorded special recognition and rewards for their service.

As preparations intensify, the Daitapatis’ entry signals the beginning of a spiritually charged period in Puri, blending devotion, tradition, and community participation in one of India’s most celebrated religious festivals.