Khandapada: In a spiritually vibrant and traditional setting, Yuvraj Siddharth Shekhar Singh, son of Bibhuti Bhushan Singh Mardaraj, scions of the royal of Khandapada, performed Chhera Pahanra ritual during the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at Khandapada Garjat Temple in Odisha’s Nayagarh district.
This cherished ritual, symbolic of humility and service, was undertaken by the Siddharth in place of his father, Bibhuti Bhushan Singh Mardaraj, who was unable to participate this year due to health reasons. On medical advice, the Bibhuti Bhusan delegated the ceremonial duty to his son, continuing an unbroken royal legacy.
Going by long-standing tradition, the Rajguru and temple priests brought the Agyanmala (divine garland of command) from the chariot to the royal palace. After offering rituals and prayers, Siddharth was formally invited to the temple grounds. Amid the resonating sounds of conch shells, drums, traditional music, and the celebratory chants of “Jai Jagannath”, he was escorted in a royal procession to the waiting chariot.
Upon reaching the chariot, he performed the Chhera Pahanra ritual – sweeping around the chariot with a golden-handled broom, a symbolic act of devotion and servitude to the deity.
The event drew thousands of devotees from Khandapada and neighbouring regions, all eager to witness the sacred tradition carried out by the royal scion. The atmosphere was electric with religious fervour and cultural pride.
Rath Yatra in Khandapada traces its origins to the reign of Raja Niladri Singh Mardaraj (1780–1790), who constructed the temple inspired by the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
