Nagarjuna Besha Of Lords In Jagannath Temple Underway As Per Schedule: Puri Collector

Puri: Despite the delay, the rare Nagarjuna Besha of the sibling deities will conclude as per the schedule with Mailama Lagi ritual by 3 pm, Puri Collector Balwant Singh informed on Friday

“The rituals were delayed by an hour and began thereafter. The servitors have sorted out their differences. The prasad, Dwitiya Kotha Bhoga, will be distributed between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm,” he said.

Nagarjuna Besha Sesha ritual reportedly concluded at around 9.30 am.

The collector said that it is unfortunate that devotees are not able to witness this rare warrior look of the Lords, which is held once in 26 years, due to the COVID-19 protocol. “Hopefully, the event will be held next year as per the new almanac,” he added.

This ritual is special because it is observed only in those years where ‘panchuka’, the last five days of the holy month of Karthika, is observed for six days. It was earlier observed on November 26, 1963, November 26, 1966, November 16, 1967, and November 3, 1968. The sibling deities had last appeared in Nagarjuna Besha on November 16, 1994.

This time, however, rituals were performed only in presence of servitors and temple officials due to COVID-induced restrictions.