Puri, July 7 -- Devotees in large numbers gathered in Puri on Sunday to witness the sacred 'Adhara Panna' ritual, as Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, was offered a special drink on the chariot. The ritual is considered one of the most significant events in the Rath Yatra celebrations.

The 'Adhara Panna' ritual involves the offering of a sacred drink made with milk, sugar, and other ingredients to the deities in uniquely designed earthen pots shaped like the Lord's mouth. This offering is made on the chariots and is considered exclusively for the deities. After the ritual, the pots are broken on the chariot itself.

Madhav Chandra Puja Panda explained the process, saying, "After the daily ritua...