Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Tahia: The Floral Crown of Lord Jagannath
The Tahia is a beautiful floral crown worn by Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra during the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha.
It is made from shola pith, colorful paper, bamboo strips, zari, and floral motifs.
The Tahia is crafted by skilled artisans from Raghab Das Math and is worn during the Pahandi Bije procession.
Each deity has a uniquely designed Tahia, with Lord Jagannath's being the tallest and most elaborate.
The craftsmanship of the Tahia has been preserved through generations and is a significant part of the Rath Yatra celebrations.
The Tahia is a floral crown worn by Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra during the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha.
It is made from shola pith, colorful paper, bamboo strips, zari, and floral motifs.
The Tahia is crafted by skilled artisans from Raghab Das Math.
Each deity has a uniquely designed Tahia, with Lord Jagannath's being the tallest and most elaborate.
The Tahia is worn during the Pahandi Bije procession, enhancing the divine appearance of the deities.
- Who
- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra
- What
- Tahia, a floral crown
- When
- During the annual Rath Yatra
- Where
- Puri, Odisha, India
- Why
- Symbolic ornament worn during the Pahandi Bije procession
Traditionalists
Modernists
Craftsmanship
Traditionalists
The Tahia should be made using traditional materials and methods passed down through generations.
Modernists
Modern materials and techniques could be used to preserve the craft while making it more accessible.
- Festival
- Jagannath Rath Yatra
- Location
- Puri, Odisha, India
- Materials
- Shola pith, colorful paper, bamboo strips, zari, floral motifs
- Artisans
- Skilled artisans from Raghab Das Math
- Significance
- Symbolic ornament worn during Pahandi Bije
- Design
- Distinct for each deity: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra
- Crafting Time
- Weeks before Rath Yatra
- Number of Tahias
- Eight in total (four for Pahandi procession, four for Gundicha Temple)