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Chandan Yatra commemorates the end of the sequence of sacred celebrations observed in the famed place of pilgrimage of Lord Jagannatha at Puri trailed by other places of worship of Orissa. The celebration, opening from "Akshyaya Trutiya", lasts for twenty-one days and is held in the month of 'Baisakh or Vaishaka' at the summit of the summer temperature when Chandan (sandal paste) and water are vital to maintain people cool. As the Hindu divinities are modeled on the deeds of human beings, they are also given the same treatment. Throughout this event, they are taken out of the temples in parade for round in water on floats or boats. The splendidly ornamented boats are called 'Chapa'. 'Chapa' is the Oriya corresponding to 'float'. In most of the Vishnu as well as Shiva temples, the fiesta of the 'float' marks the winding up of the main yearly festival and it is renowned with much spectacle and éclat. The faith probably is that the holy being having concluded his ritual patrol with all assistant gear on land must have his aquatic halt before He proceeds to the chamber of the temple to come out only for the subsequent festival. This festival is most sophisticated in Puri and is a focus for thousands of pilgrims from far and near. On all the twenty-one days, the whole road from the temple of Lord Jagannatha leading up to the "Narendra Sarobar" along with the houses on both sides is adorned.
At some places, in particular in front of monasteries or at intersection big curves are put up where the gods get informal rest and take delivery of gifts. The representative images of the gods set up in places of worship such as "Madanmohana" (representing Lord Jagannatha), "Laxmi" and "Saraswati" are taken in a opulently festooned palanquin by the 'Sevakas' attended by priests, musicians and dancers to the Narendra Sarobar at night.
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