Puri is witnessing a massive influx of devotees today, July 6, 2025, for the auspicious occasion of Suna Besha, where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are adorned with gold ornaments on their respective chariots. This annual event, a highlight of the Rath Yatra, is taking place at the Singhadwara (Lion's Gate) of the Jagannath Temple.

Suna Besha, also known as Rajarajeshwari Besha, involves embellishing the deities with intricate gold jewelry. The term "Suna Besha" comes from the Odia words "suna" (gold) and "besha" (attire or costume), signifying the deities' adornment with gold. According to legends, simply beholding the deities in this form frees one from all sins.

The deities are adorned with a variety of gold ornaments. Lord Jagannath is typically adorned with Shreepayar, Shreebhuja (hands), Kirita (crown), Swarna chakar (golden wheel), a silver conch, Odhiani, Kamara Pati, Chandrasurya, Adakani, Ghagada mali, Kadambamali, Trikhandika, Jhobakanthi, Bahada Mali, Tabija Mali, Sebati mali, tilak, Chandrika, and Kundal. Devi Subhadra is adorned with Kirita, Odhiani, Chandrasurya, Kana, Ghagadamali, Kadambamali, Sebatimali, and two Tagadis. Lord Balabhadra is adorned with Shreepayar, Shreebhuja, Kirita, Hala and Musaka, Odhiani, Kundala, Chandrasurya, Trikhandika, Kamara pati, Adakani, Ghagada mali, Kadambamali, Bahada Mali, Baghanakha mali, Sebati mali, Tilak, Chandrika, Alaka, and Jhobakanthi.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced that devotees can witness this divine ritual from 6:30 pm to 11 pm. Anticipating a large turnout, with expectations exceeding 1.5 million devotees, authorities have implemented enhanced security, crowd management, and traffic control measures. Odisha Police have reported heavy traffic congestion on the Bhubaneswar–Puri route, particularly near Batgaon, and have advised devotees to plan their journeys accordingly.

The Suna Besha tradition is observed not only during Rath Yatra but also four other times during the year inside the temple on the Ratna Singhasana (gem-studded altar). However, the Suna Besha during Rath Yatra holds a special significance as it is the only time the deities are adorned in gold outside the temple, on their chariots.

The Suna Besha is scheduled on Bahuda Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha, as per the traditional Hindu calendar. This falls on the day after Bahuda Yatra, which is the return journey of the deities from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple.

The Rath Yatra festival began on June 27, 2025, and will conclude on July 8, 2025, with Niladri Bijay. Other key rituals include Snana Purnima, Anavasara, Rath Yatra, Hera Panchami, and Bahuda Yatra. The construction of the chariots for Rath Yatra begins on Akshaya Tritiya.

The Odisha Police have been actively updating devotees about crowd management and traffic measures.