PROGRAM – I
MAHA NARASINGHA YAGYA
A s per our scriptures, the consecration (प्राण प्रतिष्ठा) of the divine idols of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balbhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Sudarshan is manifested with the recital of the ‘beej’ mantra of Lord Narasingha. Lord Narasingha is the principal deity of the Jagannatha form of God. Hence, we begin the festival with the MAHA NARASINGHA YAGYA. All the attendees will perform this yagya with our Guruji (Shri Rabi Narayan Rath Sharma) from Puri. It has also been said in our scripture that whenever any Yagna of any deity is performed, the offerings are received by none other than LORD NARASINGHA. Hence, MAHA NARASINGHA YAGYA is ranked highest amongst all the Yagnas and its most rewarding and beneficial for removing negative and evil forces from our life, cleansing our aura and rejuvenates our soul and physical health. Also, since MAHALAXMI is the consort (wife) of Lord Narasingha, the people performing this MAHA YAGYA also receive Mahalaxmi's blessings!
PROGRAM – 2
SHREE JAGANNATHA’S PRASADAM
After exhibiting Part 1 of the play, we break for lunch and serve Shree Jagannatha’s ‘Prasadam’ to all the attendees. The 'prasadam' made in the world's biggest kitchen of 'Shree Jagannatha Mandir' at Puri is first offered to Lord Jagannatha and it is then offered to Goddess Bimla (a form of Parvati). Thus, the 'prasadam' transforms to 'mahaprasadam'. 'Mahaprasadam' holds a lot of significance for Jagannatha's devotees. Hence, all the attendees of our festival will be served sumptuous 'prasadam' (as lunch) prepared by temple-trained cooks especially brought from Puri for this event.
PROGRAM – 3
So, we begin the 2nd half of the festive day with "BHAGWAAN JAGANNATH KATHA" – a mega spiritual and cultural theatrical play (in Hindi) that depicts the divine story and 'leela' of the descent of the “Lord of the Universe – Lord Jagannatha” on earth.
This epic and divine story has never been staged before in your city.
Prologue : "BHAGWAAN JAGANNATH KATHA"
Although Lord Jagannatha descends on earth in SATYUG, His divine story and 'leela' is known to very few people. People know the divine stories of all the incarnations of God and demigods but very few know the divine story of the LORD of the UNIVERSE – Shree JAGANNATHA.
"BHAGWAAN JAGANNATH KATHA" is a mega spiritual and cultural theatrical play that depicts the divine story of descent of Lord Jagannatha on earth. Although this divine story and epic pre-dates Ramayan and Mahabharat it has never been told before on stage. ‘BHAGWAAN JAGANNATH KATHA’ informs the audience about various lesser known facts like – why Lord Jagannatha does not have hands or feet; why Lord Jagannatha is present in a 'graphic' human form; what is the story behind RATHA YATRA procession and celebration; why is Lord Jagannatha called "The LORD of the UNIVERSE" and many other unknown facts.
This is the only story in the world literature that does not have any antagonist and yet it is most dramatic. Also, this is the only divine story from our scriptures where GOD is not played by any actor… the GOD enacts HIMSELF in this divine and spiritual play.
Glimpses of the theatrical play
"BHAGWAAN JAGANNATH KATHA"
PROGRAM – 4
TRIBAL ART
EXHIBITION
TRADITIONAL ODIA
SNACKS WITH
TEA &
COFFEE
After Part 1 of the play, Tea and Coffee (with traditional Odia snacks) will be served to the attendees. While having tea and coffee, the attendees can see the TRIBAL ARTS and HANDICRAFTS exhibition.
The first devotee of Lord Jagannatha (Neelmadhava) was a Tribal Chief, ‘Vishwasu’. For thousands of years, his community has preserved JAGANNATHA CULTURE… but now they are in an impoverished state. Our Tribal Cultural Heritage is getting lost with every passing time! Shree JBS Charitable Trust supports the tribals by putting their exhibition in its every festival program.
PROGRAM – 5
MEET
&
GREET
Q & A
SESSION ON
JAGANNATHA
CULTURE
The festival concludes with an interactive Meet & Greet session, followed by a lively Q & A discussion on Jagannatha Culture. Attendees will get a unique opportunity to connect, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of the traditions, rituals, and spiritual significance of Lord Jagannatha.
SUMMARY of the Program Schedule :
- ⏰ Time : 9.00 am - 1 pm : Maha Narasingha Yagya
- ⏰ Time : 1 pm - 2.30 pm : Lunch (Shree Jagannatha’s Prasadam)
- ⏰ Time : 3 pm - 5.15 pm : Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha (Part 1 of the theatrical play)
- ⏰ Time : 5.15 pm - 6 pm : Tea/Coffee & Odia Snacks + exhibition of TRIBAL Art & Handicrafts
- ⏰ Time : 6 pm - 8.30 pm : Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha (Part 2 of the theatrical play)
- ⏰ Time : 8.30 pm - 9 pm : Meet the Director & Artists and Q&A on Jagannatha Culture
THE ‘YAJMAANS’ OF THE FESTIVAL
108 couples from the city will be the ‘Yajmaan’ of the ‘Maha Narasingha Yagya’ & the LJF. The ‘Yagya Kund’ will be made from 108 bricks.
All the Yajmaans will receive 1 brick each of the ‘Yagya Kund’ ‘Yajmaans’ wrapped in the auspicious flag brought from the Shree Jagannatha Mandir, Puri. The energised brick from the YAGYA KUND will later be placed in the North East corner of the house of the ‘Yajmaan’ for Prosperity, to remove disputes, Vaastu problems and negative energies.
2 days after the performance of the Yagna, ‘Yajmaans’ will be given ‘bhasm’ (vibhuti) from the sacred fire of the Yagna Kund that can be put in an amulet and worn as a ‘suraksha’ kavach.
