Suna Besha, also known as Rajadhiraja Besha, is an auspicious festival observed in Odisha, particularly in Puri as is a part of the famous Rath Yatra celebrations. The occasion involves the adornment of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, with gold ornaments. Suna Besha is also known as Rajadhiraja besha, Raja Besha and Rajarajeshwara Besha. Suna Besha takes place on the day after the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Temple from the Gundicha Temple. It usually falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha which falls in June or July in the Gregorian calendar. Suna Besha 2024 will be celebrated on July 17 when devotees will get the darshan of Deities with gold ornaments.

The name Suna Bhesha is derived from two words, 'Suna' which means ‘gold’ and 'Bhesha' meaning ‘costume’. The occasion of Suna Bhesha is observed 5 times during a year. It is commonly observed on Purnima (January), Bahuda Ekadashi (July), Dashahara (October), Kartik Purnima (November), and Dola Purnima (March). One such Suna Bhesha event is observed on Bahuda Ekadashi during the Rath Yatra on the chariots placed at the Lion's gate, also called Singhadwara.

Suna Besha 2024 Date

Suna Besha 2024 is celebrated on July 17.

Suna Besha History and Significance

On the occasion of Suna Besha, gold plates are decorated over the hands and feet of Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra. Lord Jagannath is also adorned with a Chakra made of gold on the right hand while a silver conch adorns the left hand. Meanwhile, Balabhadra is adorned with a plough made of gold on the left hand while a golden mace adorns his right hand. The gold ornaments of the deities are stored at the temple's treasury known as Bhitara Bhandaraghara.

The estimated value of these ornaments is believed to be in crores. The security of all the jewellery rests with the Temple Police force, that is controlled by the Temple Managing Committee. When the ornaments are brought out for decorating the deities in the chariots, armed policemen accompany it along with a minimum of 25 storekeepers. Except the priests and the servitors no one else is allowed to remain on the chariots for security reasons. Devotees get a darshan of the Suna Bhesha of the deities from a certain distance.

Suna Besha Celebrations

Suna Besha is one of the most stunning and culturally significant events in the Jagannath Temple of Puri. It is a part of the larger Rath Yatra festival, which celebrates the annual journey of the deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The rituals of Ratha Yatra start much ahead of Ratha Yatra day. About 18 days before the Ratha Yatra in Puri, Lord Jagannatha, his brother Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra are given the famous ceremonial bath which is known as Snana Yatra.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2024 10:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).