West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK :   June 11, 2025 — The coastal town of Digha was steeped in devotional fervor and festive spirit as thousands of devotees gathered for the annual Snan Yatra, a sacred bathing ritual associated with Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Marking the onset of the grand Rath Yatra festivities, this year’s Snan Yatra was made even more special by a personal gesture from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who sent a consignment of homegrown mangoes to be used in the ceremonial bhog (offering) to the deities.

The event, held with traditional pomp and strict adherence to religious protocols, drew devotees from across the state and beyond. The ceremonial bathing of the deities was conducted in the early hours at the Jagannath Temple in Digha, where priests performed rituals that date back centuries. According to tradition, 108 pitchers of water—drawn from sacred sources—are poured over the idols, symbolizing purification and a symbolic retreat into seclusion, known as Anavasara, during which the deities are believed to fall ill and rest for a fortnight.

Adding a unique flavor to this year’s celebrations was Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s gesture of sending specially cultivated Himsagar and Langra mangoes from her constituency in South 24 Parganas. These mangoes were offered as part of the bhog to the deities after the snan (bath) ceremony, highlighting the fusion of faith and regional pride.

Local authorities and temple trustees confirmed that the mangoes arrived in Digha a day before the event and were stored with great care for use in the offering. A temple official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “It is a matter of great honor that our Chief Minister took such a personal interest in the festival. Her offering of mangoes has been welcomed with joy by both devotees and priests.”

The move has been seen not just as a religious gesture but also a subtle reinforcement of Bengal’s cultural identity and agricultural richness. Mangoes from the state, especially the South Bengal region, are widely revered for their taste, texture, and fragrance. Mamata’s contribution is being viewed as symbolic of her consistent efforts to intertwine cultural pride with administrative engagement.

Snan Yatra in Digha, though not as massive as the one held in Puri, Odisha, has grown in popularity in recent years. With better infrastructure, enhanced temple facilities, and proactive local governance, the town has become a key regional hub for Jagannath devotees. This year, elaborate security arrangements and medical services were in place, ensuring smooth movement of pilgrims and safe conduct of rituals.

Many of whom had camped near the temple overnight, expressed immense joy at being part of the occasion. “I have been coming here for Snan Yatra for the past ten years, but this year it felt even more special. The mangoes being sent for bhog made it feel like all of Bengal is part of this celebration,” said Rekha Pradhan, a school teacher from Tamluk.

Cultural programs and devotional music kept the festive mood alive, and food stalls around the temple dished out traditional delicacies, including khichuri, labra, and sweets distributed as prasad.

With just weeks to go for the Rath Yatra, the Snan Yatra serves as both a spiritual milestone and a cultural gathering that reinforces Bengal’s deep-rooted connection with Lord Jagannath. Mamata Banerjee’s mango offering, while small in scale, has added a flavorful and heartfelt layer to an already cherished celebration.