New Delhi: Every year, millions of devotees eagerly await the grand celebrations at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, and one of the most significant
events in this sacred calendar is Snana Purnima, also known as Snana Yatra or Deva Snana Purnima. Celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, this ancient festival marks the ceremonial public bathing of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra with 108 pots of sanctified water. In 2026, Snana Purnima falls on 29 June, setting the stage for the much-awaited Rath Yatra that follows in July.
The sacred bathing ceremony is one of the rare occasions when the deities emerge from the sanctum for public darshan before they retire into a period of seclusion. From the majestic procession to the Snana Mandap to the famous Hati Besha (Elephant Attire), every ritual holds profound spiritual meaning. If you are curious about Snana Purnima 2026, its significance, rituals, history and how it marks the official countdown to the world-famous Rath Yatra, keep reading as we explain every important detail in simple language.
What is Snana Purnima
Snana Purnima, also known as Snana Yatra, is one of the oldest and most sacred festivals associated with Lord Jagannath. It is celebrated every year on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha and is believed to mark the divine birthday of Lord Jagannath.
On this auspicious day, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, Sudarshana Chakra and Madana Mohana are brought out of the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple in Puri and placed on the Snana Mandap, a specially constructed bathing platform where devotees can witness the grand ceremony.
Snana Purnima 2026 Date
In 2026, Snana Purnima will be observed on Monday, 29 June.
The festival is one of the biggest annual rituals before Rath Yatra and draws enormous crowds to Puri. Preparations begin days in advance as temple priests, servitors and local authorities make arrangements for the large number of devotees expected to attend.
Why are 108 pots of holy water used
The highlight of Snana Purnima is the ceremonial bathing of the deities using 108 sacred pots (Kalashas) filled with purified water.
The water is drawn exclusively from the Suna Kua (Golden Well) located within the Jagannath Temple premises. This well is opened only once every year for this sacred ritual. Before the bathing ceremony, the water is purified and enriched with sandalwood paste, fragrant flowers and medicinal herbs, making it spiritually and ritually significant.
Sacred rituals of Snana Yatra
The celebrations begin with the Pahandi procession, during which the deities are carried from the temple’s sanctum to the Snana Mandap amid devotional chants, music and traditional rituals.
Once seated on the bathing platform, priests perform elaborate Vedic rituals before bathing the deities with the 108 pots of sanctified water. Thousands of devotees gather to witness this rare public appearance, making it one of the most spiritually significant days in the Jagannath calendar.
Hati Besha: Rare Elephant Attire
Following the holy bath, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are adorned in the famous Hati Besha (also known as Gaja Besha), where they are dressed in elaborate elephant-like attire resembling Lord Ganesha. Goddess Subhadra is decorated in a complementary floral style.
This rare form is believed to honour Lord Ganesha and symbolises auspicious beginnings before the grand Rath Yatra. Devotees consider witnessing the Hati Besha to be especially fortunate as it is seen only once every year.
How Snana Purnima leads to Rath Yatra
Snana Purnima officially marks the beginning of the countdown to the world-famous Rath Yatra.
After completing the Anasara period, the deities make their first appearance during Netrotsava or Nava Yauvana Darshan, when their eyes are ceremonially repainted and they are presented in a refreshed form. Shortly afterwards, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra embark on the spectacular Rath Yatra, where they travel on massive wooden chariots through the streets of Puri.
Snana Purnima 2026 is expected to attract huge crowds as devotees gather in Puri to witness the sacred bathing ceremony, the rare Hati Besha and the beginning of the annual Rath Yatra celebrations. The festival offers a unique opportunity for devotees to receive the first public darshan of Lord Jagannath before the deities enter their period of seclusion.
