Banabhoji Besha

Banbhoji Besha is a special attire of Jagannath and Balabhadra at the Jagannath Temple Puri. In this Besha, the deities are dressed like cowherd boys (Gopalas) going for a picnic in the forest. This ritual symbolizes Lord Krishna’s playful forest pastimes. Devotees enjoy this beautiful form which reflects the simple and joyful life of the Lord.

When This besha observed?

on the Dashami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadra, according to tradition, the Banabhoji Besha of the deities (Srijius) is observed in the Srimandir. It is believed that this Besha (special attire) and its distinct ritual worship have been practiced since the time of Gajapati Prataparudra Deva, from the period of Raya Ramananda and Sri Chaitanya.

About Banabhoji Besha:-

According to the Puranas and traditional belief, the Banabhoji Besha observed in the Jagannath Temple is based on the childhood pastimes of Krishna and Balarama, when they used to go to the forest with cows and calves for a forest picnic (Banabhoji). It is believed that this tradition represents that divine episode.
In this Besha, the deities (Srijius) are especially depicted as going to the forest for a picnic, and this scene is symbolically expressed through the attire and rituals. On this day, according to the traditional Sahi culture of Puri, the Bakasura figure from the Balisahi Jaga Akhada comes out in a procession, circumambulates the town, and visits the temple. After reaching there, the rituals symbolizing the slaying of Bakasura and Aghasura are also performed as part of the tradition
In this Besha, various golden ornaments are adorned. The deities are decorated with a golden crown (Swarna Kia) made of sola, cane, cloth, and zari, which is placed on their sacred head. During this Besha, two wooden figures of cows and calves are placed standing on the Ratna Singhasana.
This Besha is performed by the temple servitors such as the Pushpalaka, Bhandara Mekap, and Khuntia.  In this attire, Balabhadra (Bada Thakura) and Jagannath hold in one of their hands a four-foot-long rope (Shika) made of cloth and zari, with a silver vessel containing curd (Sara) tied at the lower end, while in the other hand they hold a stick.

Special Features of Banabhoji Besha :

In this Besha, Jagannath and Balabhadra are dressed like cowherd boys (Gopalas) going for a picnic in the forest.

The Besha represents the forest picnic (Banabhoji) of Krishna with his friends.

It is celebrated in the month of Bhadra at the Jagannath Temple Puri.

The deities are decorated with simple forest-style ornaments and flowers, showing a joyful village life.