Puri Decked Up, Chariots Ready For Lord Jagannath’s Grand Rath Yatra

The holy city of Puri has completed the final preparations for the world-renowned Rath Yatra, during which Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will begin their nine-day annual journey from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple on Thursday, July 16.

On Wednesday, officials ceremonially moved the three majestic chariots from the traditional Ratha Khala to the Lion’s Gate of the Jagannath Temple, marking the final stage of preparations.

Lakhs of devotees from India and abroad have gathered in Puri to witness the sacred festival and pull the chariots, Nandighosh, Taladhwaja and Darpadalan, over a three-kilometre route to the Gundicha Temple.

According to Hindu scriptures, the Gundicha Temple is the birthplace of the Chaturddha Murti comprising Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshan.

The Odisha Government has coordinated with multiple departments to ensure a smooth and incident-free celebration.

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee said all preparations have entered the final phase. He confirmed that the Netrotsav and Nava Yauvana Darshan rituals concluded smoothly on Tuesday, while Wednesday’s rituals also progressed according to schedule.

Arabinda Kumar Padhee added that the Pahandi Bije ritual will commence between 09:00 AM and 09:30 AM on Thursday.

Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida said the administration has prioritised crowd management, security and essential services for devotees.

Around 12,000 police personnel, supported by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), will maintain security.

The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy will monitor the coastline, while 19 senior IPS officers will supervise the arrangements.

Authorities have also installed 473 CCTV cameras, 65 LED screens, 16 permanent mobile towers, several temporary towers and over 1,600 signages to strengthen surveillance, communication and public guidance throughout the festival.