Devotees 'Loot' Sacred Food Offerings in Bengal's 286-Year-Old Ritual

West Bengal witnessed the 286-year-old traditional ‘Bhandar Loot’ ritual at Guptipara ahead of the Ulta Rath Yatra. A large number of devotees gathered at the temple and rushed into the storehouse to symbolically collect and “loot” earthen pots filled with sacred food offerings. The centuries-old tradition is a unique part of the religious celebrations in Guptipara, drawing devotees who participate in the ritual with great enthusiasm and devotion.