The “Chitraka Parba” or “Subarna Chita Lagi Anusthan – Rahu Rekha Lagi Anusthan” is a significant ritual observed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. During this ritual, three magnificent Chitas, or forehead ornaments, are adorned on the principal deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. These Chitas are crafted from precious materials such as gold, diamond, sapphire, and emerald, adding to the splendor of the deities. This specific ritual is observed on Sravana Amavasya.
In addition to the Chita decoration, the “Rahu Rekha” ornament, another important adornment of the deities’ heads, plays a significant role. The Rahu Rekha is removed on the day of Snana Purnima and is reinstated on the deities in the month of Sravana. This ritual underscores the rich tradition and cultural heritage associated with the worship of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
A special variety of rice-cake known as ‘Chitau Pitha‘ is being offered to the deity. It is in the primitive tradition to appease evil powers through worship whether they are animals, serpents, insects or plants. People worship and pray them to avoid their wrath. Therefore, during the festival the pilas (one species of molluscs) is appeased as a female form of evil power known as ‘Gandeisuni’ (Genda means Pila). The farmer girls go to the fields and while offering cakes pray. “Oh; Gandeisuni, be appeased and do not cut the legs of my father or brother who will be working in this field”.
