Kartik month (October – November) is one of the auspicious months in Puri Jagannath Temple. The last five days of the month starting from Ekadasi to Purnima is highly auspicious in the Puri Temple. The three deities (Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra) appear in different Beshas (dress or clothes) during the last five days of Kartik month.
Lakshmi-Narayana Besha
This Besha is also known as Thiakia Besha. It is done on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartik Month. It is stated that the worship of Lakshmi and Narayana has gained popularity in Jagannatha consciousness, since the visit of Ramanuja, the great religious preacher to this holy land of Shri Kshetra Puri.
Lakshminarayan Besha of Bhagavan Jagannath was during end of 12th century or the beginning of 13th century. It is believed that Thiakia Besha, Bankachuda Besha, Dalikia Besha, Adikia Besha and Raja Beshas of the deities were introduced during the sojourn of Shri Nimbarkacharya at Srikshetra, Puri, i.e. during the period from the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartik month till the full Moon day.
Bankachuda Besha
It is adorned on Kartik Shukla Dwadashi tithi (the 12th day of the bright fortnight in Kartik month). This is similar to that of Lakshmi-Narayan Besha with addition of golden headgear.
Adakia Besha
This Besha is also known as ‘Tribikram Besha’. It is adorned on Kartik Shukla Trayodashi (the 13th day of the bright fortnight in Kartika).
Dalikia Besha
This Besha is adorned on Kartik Shukla Chaturdashi tithi (the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Kartik month). This is also known as Lakshmi Nrusingha Besha. The very name of the decoration indicates that the powerful cult of Narasimha was given due recognition and importance in Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.
Nagarjuna Besha
This Besha takes place in such years in which there are six days from Ekadashi to Purnima instead of the five days in the month of Kartik. On the occasion Shree Jagannath and Shree Balabhadra are dressed like Nagarjuna (a military generals).
Raja Rajeswar Besha
This Besha takes place on Kartik Purnima tithi (full moon day of Kartik). Large number of devotees are allowed to go up to Ratna Singhasana and have a darshan of the above gorgeous Besha of the Lords and be blessed. Jagannath as is dressed like the king of kings with many ornaments.