Suna Besha (also known as Rajadhiraja Besha or Golden Attire) is one of the most visually stunning and spiritually significant rituals performed in honour of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha. Suna Besha means “Golden Adornment.” It refers to the occasion when Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are decorated with gold ornaments and jewellery. Suna Besha is mainly observed on the day after Bahuda Yatra (the return journey of the Rath Yatra). On Rath Yatra, it takes place on the chariots parked outside the Jagannath Temple at Singhadwara. On other occasions, it is celebrated inside the sanctum of the Srimandir (Jagannath Temple). The deities are adorned with golden crowns, weapons, chest plates, and other ornaments.
Lord Jagannath holds a golden chakra (discus) and a golden mace (gada). Lord Balabhadra holds a plough and a club, both in gold. Subhadra is adorned with beautiful gold ornaments. It symbolises divine prosperity, royalty, and victory over evil. It attracts lakhs of devotees who gather for darshan. It is believed that witnessing the Lord in Suna Besha brings great merit (punya). The gold used for Suna Besha is over 200 kg, stored safely in the temple treasury. This tradition was initiated by King Kapilendra Deva of the Gajapati dynasty in the 15th century, following a notable victory in battle.
