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With the iconic Rath Yatra in Puri set for June 27, 2025, the Odisha government is intensifying efforts to ensure a smooth and safe celebration. A high-level review meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday, assessed preparations for this festival. Ahuja emphasized seamless inter-departmental coordination, directing officials to execute every detail meticulously to maintain order and safety. Senior officials, including Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Dr. Arabind Kumar Padhee, and Secretaries of key departments, attended, while Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Satyabrata Sahu, Puri Collector, and Puri SP joined virtually to share ground-level updates.
Fortifying Security and Crowd Management
Anticipating a massive influx of devotees, the administration is prioritizing robust security and crowd control measures. The installation of CCTV cameras at critical junctions, deployment of sufficient police personnel, and the establishment of an Integrated Command and Control Center for real-time monitoring were key focus areas. The Chief Secretary asked for close collaboration between police and administrative units to create a secure environment throughout the event.
Infrastructure and Chariot Readiness
The meeting evaluated the progress of critical infrastructure, particularly the Bada Danda. Special attention was given to the construction of the three chariots, ensuring their timely completion. Arrangements for their smooth pulling were also reviewed to uphold the festival’s spiritual essence. Additionally, the administration is finalizing dedicated parking facilities and special provisions for VIP guests to enhance accessibility.
The Sacred Journey of Rath Yatra
The Ratha Yatra, one of the world’s oldest and most revered chariot festivals, will unfold in Puri, Odisha. This nine-day festival, centered around Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, draws millions of devotees and visitors to the temple town. The festival commemorates the deities’ annual journey from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt’s abode, covering approximately three kilometers along the Bada Danda (Grand Avenue).
According to Hindu scriptures like the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana, the Ratha Yatra, observed on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the Ashadha month. Preparations begin months in advance, with the construction of three massive wooden chariots, namely Nandighosa for Lord Jagannath (45.6 feet high with 18 wheels), Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra (45 feet high with 16 wheels), and Darpadalana for Goddess Subhadra (44.6 feet high with 14 wheels). The Odisha government’s proactive measures reflect its commitment to preserving the sanctity of the Rath Yatra while ensuring a disciplined and safe environment.
