‘Nagarjuna Besha’: Lord Jagannath To Don These Costumes For The Warrior Look

Puri: With two days left for ‘Nagarjuna Besha’ of deities at Jagannath Temple here, preparations are in the final stage for the festival to be celebrated on November 27.

Besha Silpis (artisans in-charge of designing the costumes of the Lords) have completed the costumes using different types of raw materials like ‘Santara Patta’, thermocol and cane.

This Besha commemorates the killing of Sahashrarjuna by Parsuram or battle between Aurjua and his son Nagarjuna .

The deities will be dressed as Naga warriors with the golden weapons including arrows, bows, Hala (plough), Chakra (wheel), Musala (mace), dagger and knife. Besides, the deities will be dressed up with Singa, Banka Chhuri, Katabi, Ranjaka Dani, Singada, Trishul (trident), Dhala (shield) and Bagha Nakhi. Before adorning with these costumes, the deities will be dressed up with Pata saree.

The sevayats and artisans engaged in making the ornaments and dresses have been leading an austere life with one meal of ‘Habisa Anna’ a day for the last one month.

The ‘Nagarjuna Besha’ of the deities is a rare occasion. Last time, it was held on November 16, 1994. But this year, the devotees will not be allowed to have darshan of the Lords on the day due to the COVID-19 restrictions.