Devotees from across the world thronged the Jagannath Temple in Puri to witness the annual chariot festival, also known as Rath Yatra. This year, the newly formed BJP government in Odisha has ensured that the festival is larger and grander than in previous years, confirmed an official.To attend the most awaited annual festival, lakhs of devotees of Lord Jagannath reached Puri on Thursday evening.
The Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) shared that all preparations are in place for the smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra. He also mentioned that the servitors are extending full cooperation. “Approximately 10,000 security personnel have been deployed along with 8 companies of Central Armed Police Forces.”
For the first time, an Integrated Command and Control Centre has been set up in Puri for better monitoring, shared Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania. “To enhance surveillance, about 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed in Puri and along the route to the Konark Sun Temple, a 13th-century heritage site.”
He further shared that National Security Guard (NSG) snipers have been positioned on rooftops along Grand Road for additional security.
On this occasion, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their wishes to all Indians, praying for happiness, peace, and prosperity. Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is a combination of faith and belief, deeply rooted in devotion and culture.”
Rath Yatra is an annual festival celebrated with grandeur. On this day, a grand procession is held in which Lord Jagannath and his siblings — elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra — ride in magnificent chariots from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, about three kilometres away.
This auspicious occasion falls on Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, which corresponds to June–July in the Gregorian calendar.
