Navakalebara

Navakalebara is a significant Hindu ritual celebrated in the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India. This ceremony involves the installation of new idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan. The event occurs at intervals of 8, 12, or 19 years, marking a period of renewal for the deities. The specific timing is determined by astronomical calculations based on the lunar calendar.

The Navakalebara ritual is a complex and elaborate process that begins with the search for specific types of trees from which the new wooden idols will be carved. These trees are chosen based on ancient prescriptions and are ritually worshipped before being felled. The old idols are then ceremoniously buried in a sacred spot within the temple complex, a process known as 'Brahma Parivartana', symbolizing the transfer of the divine soul.

Following the burial of the old idols, new ones are carved by skilled artisans using traditional methods. These new idols are then consecrated and installed in the temple's sanctum sanctorum. The entire process is steeped in tradition and religious significance, attracting a vast number of devotees and pilgrims from all over the world. The Navakalebara is not just a ritual but a grand festival that reinforces the spiritual connection between the devotees and the deities. It is considered a highly auspicious event, believed to bring prosperity and well-being.