With sacred anticipation in the air and the chariots standing ready, the coastal town of Puri in Odisha is all set to host the Jagannath Rath Yatra on Friday, a spectacular display of faith and tradition that draws lakhs of devotees from across the country and beyond.
The revered annual event, during which the idols of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhadra are taken in ornately decorated wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, marks one of the holiest observances in the Hindu calendar.
The three deities will reside at the Gundicha Temple for a week before making their return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, in the same manner. The journey is symbolic of a divine sojourn and is celebrated with hymns, drumbeats and joyous chants of "Jai Jagannath".
Massive security deployment and technology in place
To manage the vast influx of pilgrims and ensure smooth passage of the three chariots, elaborate traffic and security arrangements have been made.
Additional Director General (Traffic) Dayal Gangwar said, “We are making 21 parking spots. At five places, we are making arrangements for a 'holding area', which accommodates people during heavy crowd. The parking spots are mainly made at 3 major places.”
He added that digital solutions will also aid the process. “We will use apps this time, too...The people will receive more facilities,” said Gangwar, underlining a tech-enabled approach to crowd control.
Also read: Puri Rath Yatra 2025: Security measures, trains & key info
In preparation for any exigency during the grand festival, a multi-agency mock drill was conducted near the Jagannath Temple earlier this week. Puri Superintendent of Police Vineet Agarwal confirmed that 11 agencies took part in the anti-terror intervention exercise aimed at testing coordination and crisis readiness.
Snana Purnima precedes the chariot procession
On 11 June, the deities were bathed ceremonially with 108 pitchers of sacred water in a ritual known as Snana Purnima, which traditionally precedes the Rath Yatra. The bathing ceremony marks the symbolic purification of the idols before their journey.
Each year, artisans rebuild the three massive chariots from scratch using specific types of wood and following age-old specifications and rituals — a testament to the continuity of faith.
The Rath Yatra, which takes place on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha, typically in June or July, is regarded as one of India’s oldest and grandest religious festivals. The spectacle draws saints, scholars, foreign tourists and devout Hindus in equal measure.
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