As the doors of the temple are thrown open, bare bodied men rush in to collect the bhog kept in earthen pots. Known as Bhandar Loot, this is a strange ritual followed in Guptipara, in Hooghly district. It happens on the day before Ulto Rath, where the bhog is not distributed but looted. According to mythology, Jagannath and his siblings fell ill after a ritual bath (snan yatra). They recovered soon but the kabiraj suggested they go for a change of scenery. They boarded the rath for a journey to their mashir bari and returned a week later. This is the story behind Rath Yatra, but in Guptipara, there is a twist to the tale.
The bhog being packed in earthen pots
According to a legend, Laxmi, wife of Jaganath, was not pleased with his stay at mashir bari and wanted him back. Laxmi went to mashir bari to get Jagannath back but he was immersed in the amazing food feast and decided not to return. On return, Laxmi hatched a plan and with help of Brindaban Chandra and Krishna Chandra, she decided to raid the kitchen of Jagannath's mashir bari. Next day, a group of men armed with sticks looted the kitchen. Jaganath was denied the amazing feast, which he was having for a week. Left with no option he decided to take the chariot and return home the next day.
The towering chariot of Guptipara
Guptipara is a Vaishnav stronghold, known for its towering rath. It also houses the Brindaban Chandra Temple Complex, housing four temples. Brindaban Chandra and Krishna Chandra are two of the temples inside the complex, with the former hosting the idols of Jaganath, Balaram and Subhadra. Apart from that both temples house the idols of Radha Krishna. During the Rath Yatra, the three idols are taken to mashir bari on the decorative rath studded with nine pinnacles.
The pots are laid out inside the mashir bari temple
The ritual of bhandar loot happens at mashir bari on the evening of the day before the Ulto Rath. To witness this amazing event, it is best to visit Guptipara by noon and head for mashir bari. The towering rath can be seen parked next to the mashir bari and the road next to it lined with makeshift stalls, which is a part of the Gupitpara Rathayatra fair. The preparation of bhandar loot starts with the bhog being cooked behind the temple. The bhog consists of several items including khichuri, labra along with an assortment of sweets and fruits. Once the bhog is ready they are packed in earthen pots and about 500 of these pots are placed inside the temple.
Brindaban and Krishna Chandra make their journey towards mashir bari
Meanwhile preparation also starts at the Brindaban Chandra Temple Complex, original abode of Jagannath in Guptipara. The idols of Radha-Krishna are taken out of the Brindaban Chandra and Krishna Chandra Temple and put into decorative palanquins. Thus, Bridanban and Krishna Chandra make their journey to the mashir bari to loot the bhandar.
Dancers accompany the procession
The palanquins are paraded down the street in a grand procession accompanied by dancers and musicians. The dancers range from folk to tribal along with band parties.
Devotees rush out with the loot of bhog in earthen pots
Finally, when the procession reaches mashir bari, the devotees are ready to loot the bhandar. Bare bodied men wait in front of the doors to open. As the gates open, the devotees run in to gather the earthen pots full of bhog.
A devotee walks home with the loot of bhog in earthen pot
The more a devotee can take, the more will be his spiritual gain. As the bhog is brought out, it is distributed among the other devotees, who were not brave enough to participate in the loot. After the loot, Brindaban and Krishna Chandra make their journey home. Next day, Jaganath and his siblings follow the same route back home in the grand Ulto Rath Yatra.
Festival Dates for 2023:
- Rath yatra: June 20
- Bhandar Loot: June 27
- Ulto Rath Yatra: June 28
Travel information:
Tribal artistes are also part of the show
- Guptipara railway station is located on the Bandel - Katwa line and is well connected with Howrah.
- Rath and Ulto Rath are also grand spectacles in Guptipara. To witness all the festivities, it is best to reach Guptipara by noon.
