Nabanka Bedha Ritual Associated with Goddess Lakshmi at Puri Jagannath Temple

Nabanka Bedha is observed a day before Makar Sankranti at the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha. It is associated with the return of Goddess Lakshmi after her visit to the palace of Varuna Dev – Hindu sea god. Nabanka Besha 2025 date is January 14.

As per the belief in Jagannath Temple, Goddess Lakshmi is the daughter of Varuna Dev as she appeared during the Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean. She returns back to Shri Mandir from her father’s house newly harvested grains, rice, fruits, vegetables, spices, molasses, clothes, ornaments and numerous other items. These are her annual claims from her father’s house.

She reaches the Puri Jagannath Temple and goes around the temple nine times displaying the presents that she got from her father.

This going around the temple is referred as Nabanka Bedha ritual.