Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s holy city of Puri is fully prepared for the world-famous Rath Yatra, with lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad expected to witness Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra embark on their annual nine-day journey to the Gundicha Temple on July 16.

As part of the final preparations, the three majestic chariots of the deities were ceremonially moved on Wednesday from the traditional Ratha Khala, where they were constructed, to near the Lion’s Gate of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple. The annual festival, one of the largest religious gatherings in the country, is being backed by extensive security, traffic and public service arrangements by the Odisha government.

Final preparations completed for Rath Yatra

The three chariots—Nandighosh of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalan of Devi Subhadra—will be pulled by devotees for nearly 3 kilometres from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple on Thursday.

The Gundicha Temple is believed to be the birthplace of the Chaturddha Murti, comprising Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshan.

Thousands of devotees have already reached Puri ahead of the festival, while authorities expect lakhs more to arrive over the next two days to participate in the annual chariot procession.

Temple rituals conducted as per schedule

Speaking to the media, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee said all preparations for the festival had entered the final stage.

He said the important Netrotsav and Nava Yauvana Darshan rituals were completed smoothly on Tuesday.

These rituals mark the first public appearance of the deities after their 14-day isolation following the ceremonial Anasara period, during which the deities are believed to recuperate after the annual Snana Purnima ritual.

Padhee said all rituals scheduled for Wednesday were progressing according to plan.

The ceremonial Pahandi Bije, during which the deities are carried out of the sanctum sanctorum and placed on their respective chariots, is scheduled to begin between 9 am and 9.30 am on Thursday.

Massive security arrangements in place

The Odisha government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual festival.

According to officials, around 12,000 police personnel, supported by adequate contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), will be deployed across Puri for crowd management and security.

Additionally, 19 senior IPS officers have been assigned to supervise security operations during the festival.

The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy will also remain on alert to prevent any illegal activities along the coastal route during the event.

Authorities said security has been significantly strengthened considering the expected turnout of devotees and the importance of the festival.

Traffic and crowd management strengthened

Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida said the district administration has focused extensively on crowd control, transportation and essential public services.

The district police have introduced dynamic traffic management plans to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles entering and leaving Puri.

Officials have installed 595 permanent signages and 1,050 temporary signboards across the city to assist pilgrims and regulate traffic during the festival.

Dedicated routes have also been identified to minimise congestion and ensure emergency services can function without disruption.

Technology to assist devotees

The state government has deployed extensive technological infrastructure to improve safety and communication during the Rath Yatra.

A total of 473 CCTV cameras have been installed across Puri to monitor crowd movement and enhance surveillance.

Additionally, 65 large LED display screens have been set up to provide devotees with important announcements and guidance in Odia, Hindi and English.

To improve mobile connectivity during the festival, authorities have installed 16 permanent mobile towers along with several temporary communication towers.

Bulk SMS messaging facilities will also be used to provide real-time updates regarding traffic, crowd movement, safety advisories and festival-related information.

One of India’s largest religious festivals

The annual Rath Yatra is among the most significant religious festivals in India, drawing millions of devotees every year.

The unique tradition of allowing devotees to pull the chariots symbolises equality and devotion, as people from all walks of life participate in the sacred procession.

With temple rituals completed, chariots positioned and extensive security arrangements in place, the Odisha government has expressed confidence that this year’s Rath Yatra will be conducted smoothly, ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching experience for the lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the grand annual celebration.