A sure sign that the annual Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) is just around the corner (July 16-17, 2011) is the annual Jagannatha Snana-Yatra festival! Snana-Yatra, a wonderful festival, wherein Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Lady Subhadra will be bathed amidst amazing kirtan and chanting!
After the bathing ceremony (Snana-Yatra), Lord Jagannātha apparently becomes sick. He is therefore removed to His private quarters, where no one can see Him. Actually, during this period the body of the Jagannātha Deity is repainted, this is called nava-yauvana.
During the Ratha-Yatra Festival on July 16th, Lord Jagannātha will once again come before the public. Thus for thirteen days after the bathing ceremony, Lord Jagannātha is not visible to any visitors! Don’t miss out this last opportunity to see Lord Jagannatha before his grand Ratha-Yatra festival!
***IMPORTANT: This year the bathing ceremony will begin at 4:30 PM and continue to 6:00 PM. Following the bathing, Lord Jagannatha’s altar will close at 6:00 PM. Anyone wishing to have a final darshan of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra must come before 6:00 PM.***