The first aarti or the Mangalalati is performed by Bhitaracha Mahapatra and two other palia puspalak sevaks. It is accompanied by the chanting of devotional songs and the play of Mangalavadyam or auspicious music. The priests do the aarti by standing below the Ratnavedi or the pedestal on which the deities are seated. After this the deities are given a bath and dressed. Then follows the Sahana Mela or the viewing of the deities by the common people who are allowed inside the sanctum at this time.

This is followed by meals for which the deities change their dresses. After the meals the deities enjoy a siesta, called Pahuda. In the evening an aarti is performed to mark the beginning of the nocturnal functions. Devotees can again see the Gods during the evening Sahana Mela. After this the deities are supposed to be entertained. For this their dress is changed and they are adorned with special silk clothes, fresh flowers, ornaments, and sandal-wood paste. They enjoy music and dance performed by ... More

The first aarti or the Mangalalati is performed by Bhitaracha Mahapatra and two other palia puspalak sevaks. It is accompanied by the chanting of devotional songs and the play of Mangalavadyam or auspicious music. The priests do the aarti by standing below the Ratnavedi or the pedestal on which the deities are seated. After this the deities are given a bath and dressed. Then follows the Sahana Mela or the viewing of the deities by the common people who are allowed inside the sanctum at this time.

This is followed by meals for which the deities change their dresses. After the meals the deities enjoy a siesta, called Pahuda. In the evening an aarti is performed to mark the beginning of the nocturnal functions. Devotees can again see the Gods during the evening Sahana Mela. After this the deities are supposed to be entertained. For this their dress is changed and they are adorned with special silk clothes, fresh flowers, ornaments, and sandal-wood paste. They enjoy music and dance performed by Sevakas who are designated for this purpose. After this they are offered a meal known as the Badasingara Bhoga. Then arrangements are made for putting them to sleep (Pahuda). Lastly, the lights are put off and the door is closed and sealed. There are six fixed meal times of the gods, when they are served their food.