Chandana Besha is adorned on the three deities – Shree Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra –in the months of Vaishak (Baishakha) and Jyeshta (April - May). The word ‘Chandana’ means sandal wood. The sweet-scented paste of sandalwood is smeared on the divine body of the three deities in these months.
Chandana Besha is spread over 42 days starting on the Akshaya Tritiya day in Vaishakh month. This special ritual is also known as Chandan yatra and is associated with the preparation of the chariots for Puri Rath Yatra. The ritual which begins on the third day during the waxing or light phase of moon ends on the Jyestha purnima day or the full moon day in Jyeshta month.