Puri, Jul 16: Devotees witnessed an unusual moment during the Pahandi Bije ritual of Lord Jagannath on the occasion of Rath Yatra on Thursday as the deity was being carried towards His chariot 'Nandighosha' without the traditional Tahia (decorative floral headgear).

According to a source, Lord Jagannath's Tahia reportedly fell off near the Satapahacha (seven steps) inside the Shree Jagannath Temple during the ceremonial procession. As a result, servitors continued carrying the deity without the headgear before the ritual proceeded further.

The rare occurrence drew the attention of lakhs of devotees gathered along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) and those witnessing the procession inside the temple.

What Is The Tahia?
The Tahia is a sacred floral crown worn by Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra during the Rath Yatra processions. It is regarded as one of the most distinctive ceremonial ornaments of the annual festival.

The elaborate headgear is traditionally prepared by artisans and servitors of the Raghav Das Math, who begin crafting it from Akshaya Tritiya, nearly two months before Rath Yatra.

The framework is made using thin bamboo strips, banana stems and shola pith before being decorated with colourful flowers, sacred grass and silver zari ribbons. Around 14 to 25 artisans prepare 24 Tahias used during different rituals and processions associated with the annual chariot festival.

Also Read: Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra Ascend Chariots as Devotees Await Lord Jagannath’s Pahandi Bije

Pahandi Bije Continues
The Pahandi Bije ritual on Thursday began with Lord Sudarshana, followed by Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, who were ceremonially escorted to their respective chariots -- Taladhwaja and Darpadalana.

Lord Jagannath's Pahandi, considered the most-awaited moment of Rath Yatra, followed amid the rhythmic sounds of bells, conches and drums, with chants of "Jai Jagannath", "Haribol" and "Hulahuli" echoing across Puri.

Lakhs of devotees lined the Grand Road to witness the divine procession as the deities made their way from the sanctum sanctorum to their chariots, marking the formal commencement of the world-famous Rath Yatra.