In a spectacle of divine grandeur, lakhs of devotees gathered at the Jagannath Temple in Puri to witness the sacred Deva Snana Purnima, the ceremonial bathing festival of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Held on the full moon day of Jyestha month, this rare ritual involves 108 pots of sacred water being poured over the idols, marking the only time in the year the deities are brought out in full public view before the famous Rath Yatra.

What adds mysticism to this ritual is that following the massive Snana, Lord Jagannath is believed to "fall ill" and is kept away from public view in a healing chamber for over two weeks - symbolizing a deeply human connection between the divine and the devotee.

Chants, conch shells, and a sea of saffron-clad pilgrims filled the air with spiritual intensity. For many, just a glimpse of the Lord on this day is believed to wash away lifetimes of sin. The crowd? Absolutely unshakeable in their faith.