Puri: The annual Rath Yatra festivities in Puri will conclude today with the observance of Niladri Bije, the ceremonial return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to the sanctum sanctorum of the Shree Jagannath Temple.

The sacred ritual, scheduled to take place in the evening, marks the final event of the Rath Yatra festival. During Niladri Bije, the deities will be escorted from their chariots to the Ratna Bedi inside the 12th-century shrine through the traditional Pahandi procession.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has finalised the ritual schedule for the day. According to the schedule, the Pahandi Bije procession will commence around 4 pm. The ceremonial procession is expected to conclude by 10 pm.

As per the traditional sequence, Lord Sudarshan will be the first to enter the temple, followed by Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Lord Jagannath will be the last to enter and ascend the Ratna Bedi.

One of the most significant rituals of Niladri Bije is the offering of rasagola by Lord Jagannath to Goddess Laxmi before entering the temple. According to temple tradition, Goddess Laxmi is believed to be displeased every year for being left behind during the Rath Yatra. The offering of the sweet symbolises reconciliation, after which the Lord is allowed to re-enter the temple.

Niladri Bije is observed on the Trayodashi tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Asadha and signifies the conclusion of the world-famous Rath Yatra.