Bhubaneswar, July 13: Ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026, the 23rd edition of the Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) offered heritage lovers a rare opportunity to explore the rich cultural and spiritual traditions associated with Lord Jagannath. The special heritage walk highlighted the centuries-old “Tahia Seva” at the historic Raghab Das Math and the sacred “Anasara” rituals observed at the Shree Jagannath Temple.
The walk began at Raghab Das Math, located near the southern gate of the Srimandir. The historic monastery has been entrusted with preparing the elaborate “Tahia”—the floral headgear worn by Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra during the ceremonial Pahandi procession—as well as for the deities’ Hati Besha since the royal era.
Chief artisan Satyanarayan Behera demonstrated the intricate process of crafting the traditional Tahias using eco-friendly materials such as bamboo frames, fragrant flowers, sola pith, silver zari, cotton threads and natural Kaitha gum, without using synthetic colours or adhesives. He explained that a team of 20 to 25 artisans prepares 24 Tahias and Topors for six major festivals, including Snana Purnima, Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Niladri Bije. The size of each Tahia is carefully designed to ensure it passes smoothly through the temple gates during ceremonial processions.
The heritage walk later moved inside the Shree Jagannath Temple, where participants witnessed the sacred Patti Dian Darshan during the ongoing Anasara period, when the sibling deities remain in seclusion after Snana Purnima. Heritage enthusiast Arpana Gaurab Das explained the significance of the rituals, during which painted representations of the deities are worshipped in place of the idols. Participants also visited the Bhoga Mandapa, Koili Baikuntha and Snana Bedi while learning about the temple’s architecture, rituals and the significance of the Patitapabana Bana atop the Neelachakra.
The PHW team felicitated master artisan Satyanarayan Behera for preserving the traditional Tahia craftsmanship. The programme was coordinated by convener Dr. Kumar Arojyoti and co-convener Ashokamanjari Nayak. Heritage researcher Debi Prasanna Nanda and heritage enthusiasts from Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khordha, Rourkela and other parts of Odisha participated enthusiastically, making the event a meaningful celebration of Odisha’s living heritage and Jagannath culture ahead of the grand Rath Yatra.
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