By Sakshi Arora
Every year in the sacred town of Puri, Odisha, millions of devotees flock to witness India’s most majestic Jagannath Yatra, where the deities are pulled on three specifically prepared chariots. While the grand chariots and the attire the deities are adorned with always manage to steal all the limelight, one of the most important rituals that takes place on the occasion of Suna Besha is Adharpana. Also Read: Rath Yatra 2025: Why Is the Bhog at Puri鈥檚 Jagannath Temple Called 鈥淢ahaprasad鈥? What is Adharpana?Adharpana is a unique offering that is observed after the day of Suna Besha, when the sibling deities- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra receive a special and refreshing drink on their chariots. The term Adhara Pana means lip touching sweet water (Adhara meaning lips and pana meaning sweet water). This ritual presents large earthen pots filled with a specially prepared sweet beverage to the deities while they are still on their chariots parked near the Lion Gate of the 12th-century shrine. On Asadha Sukla Pakhya Dwadashi, three terracotta pots, which are prepared meticulously by local potters and these pots are carefully positioned or placed on the chariots so that they reach the lips of the deities. The preparation of Adhara Pana is a sacred process and there are less than 100 families who craft these earthen pots. The water for this refreshing drink is sourced exclusively from a well near Chhauni Matha in Puri, and skilled Supakaras or cooks prepare this drink using a blend of milk cream, sugar, cheese, banana, camphor, nutmeg, black pepper and other aromatic spices. Once prepared, the Pania Apata Sevakas bring the water and offer the pana to the deities. The Patribadu, Suarabadu, Garabadu Palia Sevaka and Pujapanda Sevaka will offer the Pana to the Deities. What鈥檚 special about the drink?According to tradition, the offering stands as a gesture of refreshment to the divine guardians and other deities, also known as Rath Rakhyaks, who reside on the chariots during the yatra to protect the divine siblings throughout the journey. The pots are broken after the offering, and as the pitchers break, it is believed that the numerous spirits, negative energies and souls who follow the deities during the Rath Yatra, drink it to get liberation.. It is important to know that the drink is not prepared for devotees and is only meant for the deities. Story behind the earthen potsThe earthen pots, which are used in the ritual, are prepared with devotion, and these massive clay vessels are made using a mix of three sacks of fine soil and one sack of sand. After removing all the impurities carefully, the clay is shaped into big pots which are nearly 4 ft in height, and are sun-dried to perfection. These pots are considered sacred and follow a strict hygiene system, including food restrictions during the crafting period. To keep the ancient traditions alive, women are not permitted to touch the pots during the preparation, and the whole process takes a month. The Adharpana ritual showcases intricate details and truly highlights devotion and rich culture.