The coastal holy city of Puri in Odisha is filled with fervent spiritual fervour and grand preparations for Suna Besha the Golden Attire ritual.
Celebrated a day after the return journey of the deities during the annual Rath Yatra (Bahuda Yatra), Suna Besha is one of the most beautiful and spiritually significant days of the festival.
In this sacred ceremony, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra are all decked out with gold ornaments which are as heavy as 200 kg and sitting on their wooden chariots of Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan in front of the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Sri Jagannath Temple.
Historical Legacy & Significance
The Suna Besha tradition dates back to the 15th century, during the reign of King Kapilendra Deva in 1460 A.D. History says that when he conquered southern nations, the king went back with sixteen carts of gold and precious gems.
He dedicated all wealth to Lord Jagannath and instructed the craftsmen to make elaborate royal ornaments for the Holy Trinity based on the advice of temple staff.
Also known as Rajarajeswara Besha or Rajadhiraja Besha, this avatar depicts Lord Jagannath as the supreme emperor of the universe.
Suna Besha is observed five times a year, but this one time atop the chariots on Bahuda Ekadashi is special it is the only time the golden darshan takes place in front of the viewer outside of the sanctum sanctorum. It is here that millions of devotees, of all caste, creed, or nationality, can see Lord Jagannath in all his royal glory.
Today is Suna Besa - Mahaprabhu will appear as the Rajadhiraja - the King of Kings.
— Manas Muduli (@manas_muduli) July 25, 2026
One of the most magnificent spectacles at Jagannatha Dham, Puri, Suna Besa sees the deities on Ratha adorned with exquisite gold ornaments, symbolizing their divine sovereignty.
It is believed… pic.twitter.com/LUYoxESDg8
The Ritual and Ornaments
The elaborate dressing takes place in the late afternoon. Specialised Puspalaka and Daitapati workers fetch gold treasure from the temple treasury (Bhandara).
The deities are bedecked with iconic pieces, including
- Golden Crown Kirit: Massive golden tiaras crowning the heads of all three deities.
- Golden Hands and Feet Surna Hasta & Surna Payar: Imposing gold plates covering their hands and feet.
- Divine Weapons: Lord Jagannath holds a golden Chakra discus in His right hand and a silver Sankha conch in His left.
- Lord Balabhadra has a golden Hala plough and Musaal mace.
Intricate Jewelry: Heavy gold necklaces (Haradi Mali, Kadam Mali), earrings (Kana Kundal), and chest decorations (Chakra & Mayur Chandrika).
Massive Crowd Management & Safety
With over 10 to 15 lakh devotees expected to converge on the Bada Danda (Grand Avenue), the Odisha State Police and district administration have deployed multi-layered security cordons, traffic diversions, and emergency medical stations.
They have also created custom barricades on the Grand Road that keep the queue moving and pilgrims able to see the glittering divine transformation in the middle of the night.
For every devotee, seeing the Lord of the Universe shimmering under the nighttime floodlights on His royal chariot is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.
