India, June 29 -- Lakhs of devotees witnessed the grand and sacred Deva Snana Purnima at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on Monday as Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan were ceremonially bathed on the Snana Mandap, marking the beginning of the annual Rath Yatra festivities.

Snana Jatra marks the beginning of Rath Yatra festivities Observed on Jyestha Purnima, the ritual bathing ceremony is one of the most significant festivals associated with Lord Jagannath and signals the commencement of preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 16 this year.

The day began with the traditional Pahandi Bije ritual, during which the deities were carried in a grand ceremonial procession ...