Special Events at Puri
MAHADIPA
Twice in a month i.e. on the day of Ekadasi, after Sandhya Dipa (Evening Alati) a burning dipa is taken to the topof the Temple with eighteen chatanki (750 grm) pure ghee. At the Temple top (on the Amalaka) the sacred lamp is lit - This is called Mahadipa.
DEVA DIPA VALI
During the month of Margasira (November - December) Krushna Trayadashi, Chaturdashi and Amabasya (3 days) Sradha (Annual offering of puja to Ancestors) is offered by Lord Jagannath to his fore-fathers. On this day the sacred Dipa is also taken to the Temple top and lit there. This festival is known as Deva Dipawali.
BANA BANDHANA (Offering of Sacred Flag)
Every day this Bana Bandhana offering of the sacred flag takes place on the top of the Temple in between 6.00 P.M. to 7.00 P.M.. It is a tradition that people offer flage to be hoisted on the Temple top for the fulfillment of one’s wishes. The flag (prescribed size maximum is 19 hands i.e. about 28 ft. 1/2 inch in length. The devotee may deposit prescribed fees with the Temple administration and then the flag is to be taken to the temple top by the special Sevayats known as Chunaras. Traditionally, these Sevayats carry out his system. The process of climbing the Temple wall with the flag is worth watching. The Sevayats after reaching at Amalaka on the Temple top hoist the flag on the Nilachakra(Wheel).
There are many other special events which are observed on special days.
