Tahiya the crown of Bhagwan Jagannath in Rathyatra (रथयात्रा में भगवान जगन्नाथ का मुकुट टाहिया)

During Rath Yatra, Bhagwan wears Tahiya during Pahandi Bije. Tahiya is the only ornament worn by the Bhagwan during the Rath Yatra rituals. It is worn during Snana Purnima, Rath Yatra , Bahuda Yatra and Neeladri Bije. Devotees take these beautiful flowing flower crowns home as souvenirs. How is Tahiya prepared?
The preparation for making Tahiya begins on Akshaya Tritiya , which coincides with the construction of the chariots. A lot of hard work and dedication goes into making these Tahiya. At the Raghab Das Matha , located near the south gate of the Jagannath temple, the artisans work continuously for two months and put together all the elements.

❀ In total, 24 flower crowns are made for Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan. Each tahiya takes 15 days to make.
❀ Bamboo sticks are used to make the base of the tahiya, which is shaped like a betel leaf.
❀ A total of 37 sticks are used in the thaiya made for Jagannath and 33 sticks for Balabhadra. The bamboo sticks are then covered with banana stems, giving them a smooth finishing. All measurements are done using fingers only.
❀ The frame is decorated with fresh flowers like Rangini, Malti, Juhi, Bela, Champa and Kamal. Dubh grass and Tulsi are strung on the top of the crown. Kadamba flowers, arrows and thermocol pieces cut in square shapes are placed on the tahiya. Tantakera village and Gopa have been assigned the task of providing Rangini flowers and thermocol respectively.
❀ Bright and colourful laces are used to enhance the beauty of the tahiyas. Only natural materials like 'kath atha' (gum) and stone colours are used, thus keeping the old traditions alive.
❀ Tahiyas are decorative items that enhance the beauty of the sibling deities. After being brought to the temple, these are placed in the Lakshmi shrine. This is like a gift from the Goddess to Lord Jagannath as he sets out on his annual migration.
❀ The artisans follow strict rules while making the tahia. They have to stay away from non-vegetarian food. The artisans wash their feet every time they return to the holy place.

Types of Tahiya
❀ The Tahiyas made for the two brothers during Rath Yatra and Neeladri Bije are bigger in size.
❀ While Jagannath's crown is more than seven feet high, Balabhadra's crown is about six feet high.
❀ Three feet thiya is used while entering and leaving Sri Gundicha Temple as the entrance is small. Subhadra and Sudarshan always wear small thiya.

Tahiya Tradition as Per Legends
There are different legends behind this tradition. According to one, a devotee named Raghu Arikita was meditating in the scorching sun near the lion gate of the temple. The then king used to provide shade to the devotees by way of tati (cover) to protect them from the heat and thus he built the same for Raghu Arikita. However, the saint demolished it as he did not find any use for it. The king again built an umbrella for them but when this time the saint tried to drop it, Lord Jagannath appeared before him. Raghu said, "O Lord, you gave me tati but I will cover you with tahiya." Since then, Raghab Das Matha provides tahia for the deities.