The Attire (the Vesas)
HATI VESA
The Vesas (attire) are an important aspect of the festivals of Lord Jagannath. Vesa means dress. Though Jagannath has come to be identified with Vishnu or Maha Vishnu, on particular months the three images masquerade to satisfy the spiritual aspirations of different denominations of the Hindu religion. The Vesas thus serve the means of syneretism. In the month of Jyosta (May-June) on the Bathing Platform during Snana Jatra the images of Balabhadra and Jagannath wear the masquerades of a elephant called ‘Hati-Vesa’. This Vesa particularly conducted by the Daitas, while Balabhadra and and Jagannath wear golden trunks and appear like elephants, Subhadra however, is spared the ordeal han her face is covered with petals. This Vesa on this particular day can be seen by every body.
SUNA VESA
In the month of Asadha (June-July) at the termination of the car festival Suna Vesa (Golden dress) is observed, in which the images wear huge golden tiaras signifying their return to the main Temple. Particularly these are the onliy two Vesas which take place outside the Temple.
There are all other Vesas take place inside the sanctum. In the month of Bhadrav Krushna Dasami (August), the deities dressed in Bana Bhoji Vesa (as is the deities going to forest picnic) and on Ekadasi Kaliya Damana Vesa is observed. In the same month on Dwadasi Pralambasura Badha Vesa (killing of demon Pralambasura) and on treiyadasi Rama-Balarama Vesa take place. On the same month Sukla Dwadasi Bali-Bamana Vesa observed. Thus in the month if Bhadrav (August) these different Vesas signify the ritualistic aspect of Jagannath cult. Again in the month of Aswina Sukla Ekadasi to Kartik Sukla Dasami (Octover-November) the deities are dressed as Sri Radha Damodar Vesa. In this Vesa, Jagannath is dressed as Krishna and worshipped with Sri Radha.
In the month Kartika (November) particularly the deities are dressed in Thiakia Vesa, on Sukla Ekadasi, Bankachuda Vesa on Dwadasi, Edadasi Vesa on Triyadasi Dalakia Vesa on Chaturdasi and Gaja Vesa on Sukla Purnami.
In the Pausa Purnami (December) the Gods are dressed as Raja Vesa (King like dress). In Magha Sukla Dvitiya (in the monthe of January-February) Padma Vesa is observed (Padma means lotus flower). Gaja Udharana Vesa is observed on Magha Purnami day (February-March). Again in Falguna Purnami the deities are dressed as Raja Vesa (Kings like Dress/regal attire).
Besides these Vesas on special days, the deities are dressed like Bamana, Nrusingha, Tribikrama and Parasurama. These significant events are observed on particular days.
