‘Snana Yatra’ takes place on the full moon day in the month of Jyestha. It is a special occasion where Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra are bathed in an abhisheka ceremony.
According to the Skanda Purana, this tradition was established by King Indradyumna during the installation of the Deities. It is believed that seeing Lord Jagannatha on this day can absolve ourselves of our past sins, which is why thousands of devotees from around the world flock to Puri to witness this holy festival.
Following the sacred bath ritual, the Deities take on a unique and delightful form known as ‘Hati Vesha’ or ‘Gaja Vesha’ in the evening. During this part of the festival, Lord Jagannatha and Lord Balarama are adorned with ornate elephant costumes, complete with trunks and tusks. Subhadra takes on the appearance of a beautiful lotus flower.