Niladri Bije, a significant event in the grand Rath Yatra festival of Puri, marks the culmination of the annual journey of the deities at Sree Jagannath Temple. This auspicious occasion signifies the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple after their sojourn to the Gundicha Temple and the subsequent Bahuda Yatra. Niladri Bije 2024 will take place on July 19. Following the Sandhya dhupa and the concluding evening rituals, the deities' exit from their respective chariots is scheduled. The deities make an entry through the Singhadwara one after another. The idols of Madana Mohana and Ramakrishna are first taken inside the temple, followed by Shri Sudarsana, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra. Lord Jagannatha is the last one to enter the temple. We at LatestLY, have collated the Niladri Bije 2024 date, its history, significance and rituals of the auspicious day which is also called "Rasagola Dibasa." Bahuda Yatra 2024 Date, History and Significance: Know All About Lord Jagannath and His Siblings, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra's Return Yatra From Gundicha Temple.

Niladri Bije 2024 Date

Niladri Bije 2024 will take place on July 19. Niladri Bije is the last ritual of Rath Yatra that falls on the Asadha Shukla Paksha Trayodashi tithi. This day marks the end of the deities' annual journey and their reentry into the Jagannath Temple.

Niladri Bije History

The history of Niladri Bije is intertwined with the centuries-old traditions of the Jagannath Temple. The festival marks the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to their sanctum sanctorum after their sojourn to the Gundicha Temple, symbolising their homecoming. The event is steeped in rituals and traditions that have been followed meticulously for generations, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

According to the legends, there resides a story behind Niladri Bije. After Lord Sudarshan, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra enter the temple, Goddess Lakshmi closes the temple's main door. She retaliates Lord Jaganntha from entering the temple for not letting her accompany him to Gundicha Temple. Although the Lord tries to convince her, she refuses to let him in. A tug of war breaks out between the servitors representing Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Jagannath in front of the temple. However, the fight concludes when Lord Jagannath confesses his mistake and offers ‘Rasagollas’ to his consort. Goddess Lakshmi calms down, accepts his apology, and allows him to enter the Srimandir. This auspicious day is regarded as "Rasagola Dibasa" in Odisha. This sweet offering symbolises reconciliation and the restoration of harmony within the divine household.

Niladri Bije Significance and Rituals

Niladri Bije holds immense significance for devotees and is a vital part of the Jagannath culture. It symbolises the completion of the divine journey and the reinstallation of the deities in their sanctum. The event also highlights the compassionate and forgiving nature of the gods, as depicted in the Rasagolla Dibasa tradition.

The ritual underscores the importance of harmony and forgiveness in relationships, represented by Lord Jagannath's reconciliation with Goddess Lakshmi. This tradition has also contributed to the cultural significance of rasagollas in Odisha, making it an integral part of the state's culinary heritage.

Elaborate rituals and a grand procession mark the celebrations of Niladri Bije. The event begins with the deities being carried into the Jagannath Temple on their respective chariots. Devotees gather in large numbers to witness this sacred event, chanting hymns and singing devotional songs.

The procession and rituals are accompanied by traditional music and dance, creating an atmosphere of joy and devotion. The streets of Puri are filled with the sounds of conch shells, bells, and chants, as devotees celebrate the divine return.

Niladri Bije is a celebration that beautifully encapsulates Odisha's essence of devotion, tradition, and cultural heritage. It marks the end of the deities' annual journey, bringing them back to their eternal abode in the Jagannath Temple. The event is a testament to the enduring faith of the devotees and the rich tapestry of rituals that define the Jagannath culture. As Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra return to their sanctum, the festival of Niladri Bije reinforces the timeless bond between the divine and the mortal, celebrating harmony, forgiveness, and the joyous spirit of devotion.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2024 01:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).