Puri is one of the four holiest places (4 dhams) for Hindus and Jagannath is the reigning deity of Puri. Lord Jagannath's rituals are more of the nature of the daily routine of human being. So fans, umbrellas etc are used to save the lord from scorching heat of Sun or the rough weather. And of course these can not be your regular fans or umbrellas. These are very colourful and are specially made