Netra Utsav (नेत्र उत्सव)

Netra Utsav which is also known as Nabjauban Darshan. This Netra Utsav ritual is conducted a day before the Rath Yatra.How is Netra Utsav celebrated?
❀ Bhagwan Jagannath appears to his devotees after 14 days on Netra Utsav. On this occasion, Jagannath ji appears in the form of a Navyovan. On the second day, Bhagwan Jagannath sets out on a Rath Yatra with elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.

❀ On the day of Devsnan Purnima, God falls ill after taking bath with water from 108 pitchers. Bhagwan Jagannath and his siblings Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are kept away from public view for 14 days ('Ansar Ghar'). Popular belief is that after the ritual bath during the Snana Yatra, the deities get fever and hence do not give darshan in the sanctum.

❀ After remaining in seclusion for 14 days, after becoming completely healthy, all the three idols appear to their devotees on the occasion of Netra Utsav.

The Rath Yatra of Jagannath Puri is no less than any festival. People come from all over the country and abroad to participate in it.