File:BHANDAR LOOT.ogg

English: The bhandara loot event is held on the day before the purnayatra or the ulto rath. This event is a folk event and has nothing to do with the scriptures. On that day the worship of the deity is held behind closed doors at mashir bari or Jagannath's aunt's place. After the worship, huge quantities of prasada is offered to the deity. The prasada consists of khichuri made of Gobindobhog rice, labra a mixed vegetable dish, a paneer dish, brinjal and pumpkin fries, payesh, malpoa, khir, chhana, other sweets and fruits. The prasada is kept in more than 400 malsas or earthen bowls in an adjacent store room. Each malsa contains nearly five kilograms of prasada. The devotees begin to gather outside the store room from mid day. The majority of the devotees in this event are the local Gops, some of whom rehearse for the event from the morning. The priest opens all the three door of the store room at 5 pm and the devotees rush inside the store to loot the prasada. Many of the locals do not cook at home that night and even on the following day.