Netrotsava at Puri Jagannath Temple - Nabajouban Darshan

Netrotsava at Puri Jagannath Temple is a ritual performed a couple of days before the Rath Yatra. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra remain confined for fifteen days after Snana Purnima. In 2024, the date of Netrotsava is July 6. It is believed that the deities get fever after the ritualistic bath. During the fifteen day period, the idols are given a fresh coat of paint. The day when the eyes of the deities are painted is known as Netrotsava.

After Snana Purnima, the deities do not appear before public and remain confined and this period is known as Anabasara. Netrotsava is also referred as the occasion for the renewal of youth of the deities – Nava Yauvana or Nabajouban Darshan.

The eyes of the deities are given a fresh coat of paint by the respected priests. The first rains of monsoon season also arrive by this time. Devotees get a glimpse of Lord Jagannath and other deities after a period of 15-days after the Netrotsava ceremony.

Devotees can have darshan of the deities from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on the day.