Khandapada Yuvraj performs Chera Pahara, upholds royal legacy at Rath Yatra

Bhubaneswar, June 28: In a spiritually charged and culturally rich atmosphere, Yuvraj Siddharth Shekhar Singh, son of Raja Bibhuti Bhushan Singh Mardaraj—the erstwhile king of Khandapada—performed the sacred Chera Pahara ritual during the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at the historic Khandapada Garjat Temple.

The Chera Pahara, a symbolic act of humility and service, is traditionally carried out by the ruling head of the royal family. This year, however, the revered ritual was performed by the Yuvraj on behalf of his father, who was advised to rest due to health concerns. Upholding a centuries-old tradition, Raja Bibhuti Bhushan Singh Mardaraj entrusted his son with the ceremonial responsibility, ensuring the continuity of this unbroken royal lineage.

As per custom, the Rajguru and temple priests brought the Agyanmala (divine garland of command) from the chariot to the royal palace. After offering prayers and rituals, Yuvraj Siddharth was formally invited to the temple grounds. Amid the resounding beats of traditional drums, conch shells, and chants of “Jai Jagannath,” he was escorted in a grand procession to the chariot.

There, he performed the Chera Pahara—sweeping the chariot platform with a golden-handled broom—a gesture symbolizing submission before the deity and devotion to divine service.

Thousands of devotees from Khandapada and surrounding areas gathered to witness the sacred tradition, creating an atmosphere brimming with spiritual fervor and cultural pride.

The Rath Yatra at Khandapada dates back to the reign of Niladri Singh Mardaraj (1775–1789), who built the temple inspired by the Jagannath Temple in Puri. He initiated the Rath Yatra and personally performed the Chera Pahara, laying the foundation of a royal legacy that continues to thrive through successive generations.