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Chandan Yatra Of Lingaraj: A Photo Essay





Chandan Yatra Of Lingaraj: A Photo Essay

Every year when the heat and humidity becomes unbearable and the mercury touches the sky, even the gods look for respite. The Chandan Yatra of Lord Lingaraj is a 22-day festival where the gods enjoy a boat ride which is known as ‘Chapa Khela’, in the evenings on the cool waters of Bindusagar in Old Town. The festival begins on the day of Akshay Tritiya and for the next three weeks. Goddess Parvati, Mata Rukmini and Basudeva accompany Lord Lingaraj for the boat rides. 

Here is a photo essay of the beautiful Chapa Khela.

(Pictures Courtesy: Krishna Jenamoni) Instagram Handle- @clicksandposes

The boats are ready to host the deities
The deities are brought out to the banks of Bindusagar on decorated palanquins
According to tradition, the gods come out of the temple to chill on the cool waters of Bindusagar
This year the Chandan Yatra is being held with devotees for the first time after two years
The sevayats have been conducting the rituals for generations
The beautifully decorated boats look breathtaking against the summer evening sky
For the people of old town, watching the Chapa Khela during Chandan Yatra is a part of life in summers
Goddess Parvati, Mata Rukmini and Basudeva accompany Lord Lingaraj during Chapa Khela
The sounds of conchs and cymbals electrify the summer evenings
If you happen to be around Old Town in the evenings, do check out this amazing ritual

Author: Debi prasad sahu

Debi is an auteur of minimalism and a connoisseur of world movies and music. He loves to go on gastronomic adventures and crack PJs. He writes poetry and is a hippie soul.

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