Every year, Lord Jagannath participates in the Chapa Khela, a traditional water sport held in the Narendra Pushkarini. This event follows a strict schedule. After the mid-day puja is performed, Lord Jagannath proceeds to the water sports. The Chandan Yatra, which begins on the auspicious day of Akshay Trutiya, marks the commencement of these activities.
The Bahara Chandana festival, a cherished tradition at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, commences on Akshaya Tritiya and spans a period of 21 days. This festival is divided into two distinct phases, each marked by unique rituals and ceremonies.
During the initial 21 days, representative idols of the main deities from the Jagannath temple, along with five Shivalingas known as the Pancha Pandavas, are carried in a grand procession. This procession starts from the Singhadwara, or the Lion Gate, of the Jagannath temple and makes its way to the Narendra Tirtha. Following a series of sacred rituals, the deities are placed on ornately decorated boats, embarking on a serene evening cruise across the tank.
The latter half of the festival, also spanning 21 days, features rituals conducted within the confines of the temple. Unlike the daily boat rides of the first phase, these playful excursions on the Narendra tank occur only four times during this period: on Amavasya (the new moon), the full moon night, Shasthi, and Ekadashi of the bright fortnight. On these special occasions, the deities once again leave the temple to enjoy their ceremonial boat rides.
The Bahara Chandana festival thus beautifully combines grand public processions and intimate temple rituals, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and devotion of the Jagannath Temple.