Chandan Yatra 2023 in Puri Sri Jagannath Temple

Chandan Yatra or Chandan Jatra also known as Chandan Purnima, which is celebrated in Puri Jagannath Temple on the full moon day (Poornima) in the month of Baisakh or Vaishakh (April – May). It is one of the most auspicious days of the Chandan Yatra, which lasts 42 days.

Chandan Purnima

2022-Chandan Purnima falls on 16th May
2023-Chandan Purnima falls on 5th May

Chandan Purnima refers to the sandal paste that is smeared on the idols to keep them cool during the festival. The Narendra Pond’s water also contains sandal paste. In Orissa, the Chandan Purnima festival is also celebrated in a number of other temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It starts on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. The celebration in some temples ends on Chandan Purnima day. The celebration may last for 21 or 42 days in various temples.

Celebration of Chandan Yatra

Lord Jagannath’s Chandan Yatra is celebrated for 42 days. It is broken into two halves, each of which is 21 days long. Bahara Chandan Yarta is observed in the Narendra tank during the first 21 days from Akshaya Tritiya. The second 21 days are known as Bhitara Chandan Yatra and are observed in the temple’s Jalakrida Mandapa.

Lord Jagannath, Bhudevi, Sridevi, Rama, Krishna, and Pandavas idols are transported to their respective Tanks in spectacular processions. The Lord takes a bath in a section of the tank that has been particularly prepared with sandalwood paste and other fragrances. The goddesses row around the tank in elegantly prepared boats as part of the rite.
During the 42-day Chandan Yatra, a variety of other rites and celebrations are observed.

Chandan Yatra is now celebrated in many other Jagannath Temples and Lord Krishna temples around the world, particularly those affiliated with ISKCON.