On the occasion of Holy Rakhi Purnima, also known as Gahma Purnima, the temple is abuzz with two significant festivals. The day marks the birth of Lord Balaram, for which the temple authorities have implemented a special policy to honor this occasion.A unique ritual, Nitikanti, is being conducted in the temple. After the midday incense offering, Sister Subhadra will tie rakhi to her two brothers, Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath, symbolizing the sacred bond between siblings.
Servants will then adorn the Lords with special rakhis and guamaals, crafted by Patra Bishoyi, in a heartfelt gesture celebrating the brother-sister relationship.Balabhadra’s birth will be celebrated at the Markand pool. Following the ceremony at the Vogh Mandap, two temple officials will divide the sacred offering into four parts to conclude the ritual.Every year, on Rakhi Purnima, the temple observes Badbhai’s birthday.
After the offerings at Vogh Mandap, Sudarshan is carried to the Markand Pushkarni by a ceremonial plane to celebrate Balabhadra’s birth. Here, the priests create an earthen effigy, or pitula, symbolizing Balabhadra. Devotees participate in various rituals, worshipping this clay effigy. Afterward, the pitula is respectfully closed and disposed of.The temple also prepares a special delicacy, **Gahma manda**, which is offered to devotees on this auspicious occasion.