Kaliya Dalana Niti at Jagannath temple Puri .

Kaliya Dalana Niti is a significant ritual in the Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha, associated with the legend of Lord Krishna’s defeat of the serpent Kaliya. This ritual is performed during the month of Kartika (usually in October or November), which is considered highly auspicious in the Hindu calendar. The ritual re-enacts the story from the Bhagavata Purana, where young Krishna subdues the multi-headed serpent Kaliya, who had poisoned the Yamuna River, causing immense suffering to the people and animals nearby. Through this ritual, devotees celebrate Krishna's victory over evil and his role as a divine protector.

In the Jagannath Temple, the Kaliya Dalana Niti is performed with great devotion and symbolic representation. The event takes place on the banks of the sacred Markandeya Tank, located within the temple complex. A small idol of Lord Krishna, known as 'Balabhadra Bije,' is carried in a ceremonial procession from the temple to the tank, accompanied by music, chants, and the participation of temple priests and devotees. The idol is placed on a boat and taken to the center of the tank, symbolizing Krishna's arrival at the Yamuna River.

As part of the ritual, a replica of the serpent Kaliya, usually made from wood or cloth, is placed in the tank. The priests then enact the battle between Krishna and Kaliya, where Krishna is depicted dancing on the serpent's hoods, eventually subduing the beast and purifying the waters. This act is seen as a representation of the triumph of good over evil, as well as the restoration of peace and order.

The Kaliya Dalana Niti holds deep religious significance for the devotees, as it emphasizes Lord Krishna's role as the protector of dharma (righteousness). The ritual also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, where divine intervention is necessary to overcome the forces of chaos and destruction. The celebration of this ritual within the Jagannath Temple, one of the most revered temples in India .